Feasibility of biofuel production from crop stubble/straw in Australia: challenges and opportunities

Abstract

This paper focuses on the feasibility of utilizing crop residues for biofuel production as a sustainable alternative, incorporating environmental benefits with renewable energy production. Crop stubble and straw management is a serious challenge in the world as well as in Australian agriculture. Retention and burning of crop residues are the main practices in Australia which have negative environmental consequences. This study explores technical, economic, and other challenges related to biofuel production, including feedstock collection, variability in crop residue composition, and infrastructure development. The opportunities to use Australia's abundant agricultural residues for biofuel production are critically reviewed in the context of practices and technologies. Different technological advancements in the transformation of crop residues (CRs) to biofuel are presented and analysed. The challenges and prospects of biofuel production from crop residues are discussed and analysed in this paper. From the literature, it is found that although challenges exist, investment in biofuel technology, infrastructure and supportive policies could change crop stubble from a waste product into a useful resource, fostering sustainable energy and agricultural practices in Australia. The utilisation of crop residues and biomass waste in Australia remains underdeveloped compared to global benchmarks but holds huge potential that can flourish with supportive policies and investment which can make Australia a regional leader in bioenergy. The adaptation of biofuel production from crop residues can alleviate negative sustainability implications of burning fossil fuels and support to achieve net zero 2050.