Evaluation of advanced biofuels from a life cycle perspective: challenges and opportunities for the transport sector

The transportation sector relies heavily on fossil fuels, comprising about 90% of its energy demand. In 2022, global CO2 emissions from this sector increased by 3%, reaching nearly 8 Gt CO2. The aviation industry is a major contributor, responsible for over 2% of global energy-related emissions and about 4% of total GHG emissions in Europe. This research aims to investigate the most recent literature related to the Life Cycle Assessment of alternative technological processes and feedstocks, which could provide many environmental benefits over fossil alternatives. Thus, 16 papers were analyzed. Among biofuel feedstocks, waste biomass emerges as the most studied, followed by microalgae and insects. Waste-to-biofuel pathways demonstrate significant potential in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating waste management challenges, yet technological advancements are needed to scale up production effectively. Microalgae-based biofuels hold promise due to their high lipid content, scalability in cultivation, and potential for carbon recycling. However, challenges related to energy consumption, land use, and technological maturity must be addressed. The main research gap that was found was the lack of studies evaluating the environmental impact of aviation biofuel production from insects, despite widespread awareness of the benefits of their use. The findings underscore the complexity of transitioning to sustainable aviation fuels while highlighting the immense potential for biofuels to contribute to emissions reduction goals. Continued research, technological innovation, and policy support are essential to accelerate the adoption of biofuels and achieve a sustainable, carbon-neutral aviation industry.