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Biomass Energy Sources and Conversion Technologies for Production of Biofuels

2020; Springer Nature; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1007/698_2020_613

1867-979X

Majeti Narasimha Vara Prasad,

Microbial Metabolic Engineering and Bioproduction

Food, fuel, fodder, fertilizer, and fiber are the most essential requirements for the sustenance of life. The global population of ~7.5 billion and its explosion is asserting pressures on natural capital, especially biotic and abiotic resources. The finite sources of fossil fuel reserves, as well as the environmental impact related to their increased consumption, are the implication for climate change. Therefore, governments and scientists are concentrating to develop "energy bioscience" for sustainability. Biomass conversion technologies for biofuels have long been proven at an industrial scale, and the alcohol has been able to compete with conventional gasoline. Biodiesel (fatty acid methyl or ethyl esters) and bioethanol have emerged as renewable and non-conventional energy sources in many countries. Non-conventional liquid fuels such as biodiesel and liquid biofuels have numerous advantages in the era of climate change. In Europe, the main feedstock for biodiesel production is different from "energy crops" such as sunflower and rapeseed. Production of "biofuels" appears to be sound in theory, but in practice, several bottlenecks are to be resolved in an ecologically sound manner from the crux of this chapter.