HARNESSING BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABLE BIOFUEL PRODUCTION; CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

Bioenergy is a versatile energy system. A multitude of feedstock, technology pathways, and end products encompass biomass-energy conversion. Amongst the renewable energy options, bioenergy has the unique potential to deliver significant benefits to society and the environment. Considering its prominence in the overall energy mix, the bioenergy sector has not received the desired attention. Its impacts on economic, social, environmental and greener energy factors are numerous. Due to the informal and local nature of most of the feedstock and technology used for biofuel production, it is very challenging to gather, analyze and report accurate and updated information on bioenergy developments. Moreso, it is important to note that there is a lack of reliable and updated data on bioenergy globally and locally. This paper, therefore explored available information on different biomass sources; current statistics on global and national bioenergy demand and utilization, its benefits and challenges; technologies for improving bioenergy production and yield from biomass; current climate challenges, and emerging biotechnology techniques relevant for sustainable biofuel production to meet energy demand and climate challenge.