<p>The global reliance on bioenergy over recent decades has sparked environmental concerns, prompting a search for alternative and sustainable energy sources. Bioenergy emerges as a promising solution, fostering sustainable economic development, ensuring national energy security and mitigating environmental complications. This review undertakes a comprehensive examination of the bioenergy policy measures implemented by various agencies across different countries. The primary objective is to identify the obstacles that impede the sustainable growth of biofuels as a viable alternative fuel. Bioenergy promises to reduce GHG emissions and lessen dependence on finite fossil fuels; a comprehensive evaluation of its environmental, social, and economic impacts is necessary to determine its true sustainability. This critical review offers an in-depth examination of the multifaceted aspects of bioenergy, with a focus on its potential benefits and drawbacks. Environmental considerations underscore the importance of assessing the life cycle of bioenergy, including land use, biodiversity loss, and the emission of other pollutants during the cultivation, conversion, and utilisation processes. Furthermore, this review presents their insights to address the critical issues surrounding global bioenergy generation. The study aims to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with biofuel adoption, ultimately fostering sustainable energy practices on a global scale.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>