ABSTRACT
Biofuels and bioenergy have been promoted for their improved sustainability and reduced environmental impact. The sustainability of first-generation biofuels, however, has been an issue of controversy as a result of land-use changes, fertiliser emissions and competition with food crops. This chapter reviews the current technology for the production of biofuels and bioenergy, with a focus on three main technologies: bioethanol, biodiesel and biogas. It explores the current commercial practices utilising first-generation biofuels and the social and environmental implications of this. The chapter discusses the development of advanced biofuels, much of which is a subject of research and unproven at a large, commercial scale. It focuses on the applicability of current and future biofuel technologies in Kazakhstan, as well as the global consequences of a population estimated to increase to over 11 billion by the end of the twenty-first century. The chapter concentrates on biodiesel, bioethanol and biogas, there is also an option for combustion of biomass for bioelectricity generation.
