Lignin-Based Biofuel Production: Prospects and Challenges

Abstract

The increasing demand for energy coupled with the urgent need for non-conventional energy sources has resulted in the introduction of plant-based biofuels as an alternative biofuel source in the world. While comparing with the conventional biofuels, plant-based biofuels have many advantages, namely reduced carbon emis-sions, increased sustainability, and ease of availability which make them promising candidates to compensate the existing biofuel materials. The chapter investigates the use of lignin as an important source of biofuels, and also gives a comprehensive overview of lignin’s role in biofuel production. In addition to the possibility of using lignin as a biofuel source, the technological barriers to lignin depolymerization and improvement on the economic feasibility of use of lignin as a biofuel source along with the challenges involved in scale-up technologies are also examined. Finally, the various policy and market dynamics influencing commercialization and the need for policy improvement are discussed in this chapter. Additionally, the chapter identifies co-product opportunities and sustainability metrics related to lignin as a key player in the bioeconomy. By addressing the scope for these multiple dimensions, the chapter outlines future prospects and research gaps, offering strategic insights for advancing lignin-based biofuels within the global renewable energy scenario.