Sustainable Biofuel Production from Agricultural Residues an Eco-Friendly Approach: A Review
Apoorva Guddaraddi
Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, Maharashtra-444001, India.
Anita Singh *
School of Agriculture, Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.
Amrutha G.
Department of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Agriculture, Kalaburagi, India.
D. R. K. Saikanth
SRF, ICAR-ATARI, ZONE-X Hyderabad, India.
Ramkishor Kurmi
Division of Agricultural Engineering, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012, India.
Gurinder Singh
Department of Agronomy, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.
Manojit Chowdhury
Division of Agricultural Engineering, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012, India.
Bal Veer Singh
Department of Agronomy, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Biofuel production from agricultural residues presents an innovative solution to the global energy challenge. This study delves into the potential of using such residues as a renewable feedstock, addressing the pressing need to transition from conventional fossil fuels. By evaluating various agricultural residues' types and characteristics, a comprehensive assessment of their worldwide availability and potential yield was undertaken. Emphasizing sustainable and eco-friendly approaches, the research underscores closed-loop systems, efficient utilization of co-products, and the imperative of a holistic life cycle assessment (LCA) for biofuel production. The LCA revealed a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, emphasizing water conservation and waste reduction during the process. Despite the evident potential, there are identifiable challenges, primarily technological research gaps, economic constraints, infrastructural limitations, and regulatory hurdles. Yet, the undeniable benefits include a notable reduction in carbon footprint, effective resource management, and a bolstered economy, especially for agrarian communities. Policies promoting sustainable farming practices, incentivizing research and development, and fostering collaborations are recommended. Such a framework can enhance biofuel infrastructure, necessitate regular monitoring, and optimize the biofuel production process. Conclusively, while challenges persist, with cohesive policy recommendations and technological innovations, agricultural residues can pivot as the linchpin in a sustainable energy future.
Keywords: Sustainability, bioenergy, residues, eco-friendly, innovation