Deviany Deviany, Siti Khodijah Chaerun
This chapter discusses the limitations of the first- and second-generation solid-gaseous biofuels in the context of the current climate change scenario. It explores the environmental impacts of biofuel production and highlights recent research, emphasizing the significance of feedstock diversification. Biofuels, derived from biomass, present a potential solution to the escalating energy crisis, which is caused by global population growth and the depletion of fossil fuel reserves. Despite being recognized as a renewable energy source, biofuels can exert substantial environmental pressure, spanning from feedstock cultivation and pre-treatment to production processes and product distribution. First-generation biofuels, commercially produced from essential food crops and edible oils such as sugarcane, corn, and palm oil, have given rise to food security concerns. In response, second-generation biofuels have emerged, utilizing agricultural residues, lignocellulosic biomass, non-edible oils, and municipal wastes. Feedstock diversification in the production of first- and second-generation biofuels can enhance sustainability and mitigate environmental impacts. However, in the context of the current climate crisis, characterized by unprecedented weather phenomena, the environmental limitations of first- and second-generation solid-gaseous biofuels warrant consideration. These limitations encompass the use of arable land for feedstock cultivation, land-use changes and biodiversity loss, water security, and overall greenhouse gas emissions. Addressing these limitations necessitates the refinement of production methodologies and further exploration into the use of microalgae as a more sustainable feedstock. © 2024 Scrivener Publishing LLC.
Department of Chemical Engineering, Institut Teknologi Sumatera, Lampung Selatan, Lampung, Indonesia; Department of Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Mining and Petroleum Engineering, Institut Teknologi Bandung, West Java, Bandung, Indonesia; Geomicrobiology-Biomining & Biocorrosion Laboratory, Microbial Culture Collection Laboratory, Biosciences and Biotechnology Research Center (BBRC), Institut Teknologi Bandung, West Java, Bandung, Indonesia