Biofuels – The Way Ahead

Raghvendra P. Singh; Ram N. Singh; G. Manchanda; Praveen K. Tiwari; Alok Kumar Srivastava; Ramesh Chandra Dubey; Arun Kumar Sharma

Volume : IV, Issue : I, January - 2014

Biofuels – The Way Ahead

Raghvendra P. Singh, Ram N. Singh, G. Manchanda, Praveen K. Tiwari, Alok Kumar Srivastava , Ramesh Chandra Dubey, Arun Kumar Sharma

Abstract :

Depletion of petroleum derived fuel and environmental concern have emphasized the need to produce sustainable renewable fuels and chemicals. Biofuel from renewable sources can be an alternative to impart a remarkable role for maintaining sustainability and security in energy sector. A complete substitution of petroleum derived fuels by biofuel is impossible yet, marginal replacement of fossil fuels by biofuels can delay the depletion of petroleum resources and abate the radical climate change caused by automotive pollutants. Biofuels are oadly classified into three categories: first generation biofuels-from biomass that is usually edible; second generation biofuels-from lignocellulosic feedstocks or municipal wastes; third generation biofuels- from microorganisms, majorly from algae. In terms of food security, the use of those energy crops which are used as food products for biofuel production is of concern. Biofuel production using microalgae is attractive prospect in this scenario. The review presents an overview of the usage and sustainability challenges of biofuels.