Sustainability Assessment of Liquid Biofuel Production Technologies- Challenges and Prospects

Liquid biofuel is one of the most sought-after renewable energy sources that have the potential to substitute fossil fuel primarily because of its greener composition, cleaner combustion, and wide array of available feedstocks from which it can be produced. Sustainability assessment studies, encompassing multiple aspects such as environmental, economic, and societal, are a powerful tool and way forward for the successful commercialisation of biofuels. In this chapter, both conventional and novel biofuel production technologies have been discussed, and their commercialization potential has been assessed with the help of life cycle assessment (LCA) studies previously conducted on them. The adoption of varied technologies, system boundaries, product streams, and economic uncertainties in the production of biofuels remains to be the major challenges in identifying the right technology. Therefore, this chapter aims to critically analyze a set of indicators, including possible valorization routes of wastes, that can offset the high production cost to get a clear picture in identifying the most sustainable and adaptable biofuel production technology.