by Joseph Powell

Biofuels can be produced from plants and organisms that absorb carbon dioxide from the air and naturally synthesize molecules for use in fuels and chemicals. First-generation biofuels, such as those derived from corn or sugarcane, compete with food supplies and are limited in scale. More abundant biomass, which uses portions of plants that humans cannot consume, can be used to produce advanced biofuels as “drop-in” replacements for current gasoline, diesel, or aviation fuels. However, globally available biomass can only meet about 20% of global energy needs.¹

Like the combustion of fuels from petroleum, burning biofuels produces pollutants that harm air quality and human health, contributing to ozone, smog, and particulate matter. While biofuels will play an essential role in the future of energy and chemicals—and can help reduce fossil carbon dioxide emissions—they are not a complete solution. To address the challenge of sustainable energy, we must develop a comprehensive array of alternative energy solutions.

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Reference:

¹ IEA (2023), Net Zero Roadmap: A Global Pathway to Keep the 1.5°C Goal in Reach, IEA, Paris.
 https://www.iea.org/reports/net-zero-roadmap-a-global-pathway-to-keep-the-15-0c-goal-in-reach