Conclusion

Biofuels accounted for approximately 3% (by energy content) of the fuels used in global land transportation in 2013. While the vast majority of biofuels on the market are derived from agricultural feedstocks, there is a trend toward diversification into residual biomass. The effort to expand biomass resources for biofuel production is expected to continue, driven by both public policies and the initial deployment of lignocellulosic biofuels. Challenges related to resource mobilization and competing uses (particularly for forest biomass) may limit the development of lignocellulosic sectors, the costs of which are currently unknown.

While ethanol and vegetable oil methyl esters account for nearly all of the biofuels consumed, other biofuels are gaining ground or beginning to emerge (bio-NGV or HVO). The gradual tightening of vehicle emissions regulations (Euro standards)...