Biofuels remain central to global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and fossil fuel reliance. Recently, demand for biofuels continues to surge, driven by transport sectors worldwide. However, the supply of sustainable feedstocks lags behind, creating challenges for policy makers and industries alike.
Biofuel Feedstocks – Types and Sustainability
Biofuel production depends on feedstocks such as corn, sugarcane, soy, rapeseed, and palm oil. These first-generation crops are energy-dense but raise concerns over land use, food security, and environmental harm. Alternative feedstocks include used cooking oil, waste animal fats, and lignocellulosic biomass from agricultural residues. These are more sustainable but limited in availability. Large-scale production of advanced biofuels from such sources remains in early stages despite ongoing research.
Growing Demand and Supply Constraints
Global biofuel production is expected to increase by 30% between 2023 and 2028, reaching nearly 200 billion litres. Renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel lead this growth, especially in the US, EU, Brazil, and Indonesia. By 2030, over 700 million tonnes of feedstock may be required, denoting a mismatch between policy ambitions and sustainable biomass availability. Diversification of feedstocks and resilient supply chains are essential to meet rising demand.
Biofuel Policies – United States and European Union
The US Renewable Fuel Standard mandates blending targets up to 36 billion gallons annually. Yet, cellulosic biofuels fall short due to economic and technical issues. Recent policy updates aim to raise targets and incentivise domestic production by adjusting Renewable Identification Number (RIN) values. However, critics argue the US policy favours conventional crops and insufficiently supports low-carbon alternatives like algae or woody biomass. The European Union emphasises sustainability through its Renewable Energy Directives (RED I, II, III). It phases out palm oil and soybean biodiesel linked to deforestation. The EU promotes advanced biofuels from waste and non-edible crops while enforcing strict sustainability standards to reduce indirect land-use change impacts.
India’s Ethanol Expansion and Global Leadership
India has rapidly increased ethanol blending from 5% in 2014 to nearly 20% in 2025. This progress is supported by policy incentives, guaranteed procurement, and better sugarcane yields. The country also explores non-food feedstocks like jatropha and sweet sorghum, though uptake remains limited. India launched the Global Biofuels Alliance in 2023 to harmonise sustainability standards and encourage international cooperation in biofuel research and development.
Innovations in Biofuel Research
Institutions like Amity University lead in developing second-generation biofuels using agricultural waste, microalgae, and industrial residues. Their research includes microbial fermentation for lignocellulosic ethanol, biogas from agrowaste, and enzymatic biodiesel production. Patents and collaborations reflect growing expertise in sustainable biofuel technologies aligned with national and global climate goals.
Environmental and Sustainability Challenges
Biofuel expansion poses risks such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, and carbon emissions from land-use change. Investigations reveal forest clearing in Indonesia for sugarcane plantations, releasing CO2. These issues underline the need for robust land monitoring, lifecycle carbon accounting, and binding sustainability regulations at national and international levels.
Policy Reforms for Sustainable Biofuel Growth
Key reforms include investing in advanced feedstock supply chains and technologies. Governments should implement tiered blending mandates rewarding low-carbon feedstocks. Enhanced sustainability safeguards must integrate lifecycle emissions and use satellite and blockchain tools for transparency. Market reforms should stabilise prices, phase out exemptions that distort demand, and encourage waste feedstock collection. Utilising marginal lands for energy crops can also expand sustainable biomass supply.
International Cooperation and Future Directions
Global alignment on sustainability standards and data sharing is vital. The Global Biofuels Alliance serves as a platform for harmonising targets, certifying practices, and coordinating investments. International cooperation can accelerate the shift to sustainable biofuels while avoiding environmental pitfalls of the past. The future depends on balancing ambition with practical, low-carbon solutions.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss in the light of global climate goals, the role of biofuels in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the challenges posed by feedstock sustainability.
- Critically examine the impact of land-use change and deforestation caused by biofuel crop cultivation on biodiversity and carbon emissions.
- Explain the concept of Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) in the United States biofuel policy. How do market mechanisms influence biofuel production and sustainability?
- With suitable examples, discuss the significance of international cooperation platforms like the Global Biofuels Alliance in promoting sustainable energy transitions.
