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Biofuels technology development in Southern Africa

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  • William Herbert Lee Stafford
  • George Adrian Lotter
  • Graham Paul von Maltitz
  • Alan Colin Brent

Abstract

The benefits of biofuels depend on the feedstock, conversion pathway and local context. This paper assesses biofuels technology readiness and developments to provide foresight to biofuels development in Southern Africa. Efficient conversion pathways, coupled with biomass from waste or high-yielding energy crops, will reduce both the costs of biofuels production, and the environmental impacts. Compared to petroleum fuels, the current commercial biofuels (ethanol, biogas and biodiesel) typically offer carbon emission reductions of 30–50% but are marginally more expensive. The extent of biofuels market penetration will therefore be influenced by mandates (blending targets) and subsidies (green premium). Advanced biofuels promise greater efficiencies and carbon emission reductions at reduced cost but will require further research and development to reach commercialisation. If developed appropriately, biofuels can reduce carbon emissions and improve energy security, while enabling sustainable agriculture and improved natural resources management.

Suggested Citation

  • William Herbert Lee Stafford & George Adrian Lotter & Graham Paul von Maltitz & Alan Colin Brent, 2019. "Biofuels technology development in Southern Africa," Development Southern Africa, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 36(2), pages 155-174, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:deveza:v:36:y:2019:i:2:p:155-174
    DOI: 10.1080/0376835X.2018.1481732
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    Cited by:

    1. Ahmed, Abubakari & Gasparatos, Alexandros, 2020. "Multi-dimensional energy poverty patterns around industrial crop projects in Ghana: Enhancing the energy poverty alleviation potential of rural development strategies," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 137(C).
    2. Chong, Ting Yen & Cheah, Siang Aun & Ong, Chin Tye & Wong, Lee Yi & Goh, Chern Rui & Tan, Inn Shi & Foo, Henry Chee Yew & Lam, Man Kee & Lim, Steven, 2020. "Techno-economic evaluation of third-generation bioethanol production utilizing the macroalgae waste: A case study in Malaysia," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 210(C).
    3. Sotiropoulou, Irene & Deutz, Pauline, 2021. "Understanding the bioeconomy: a new sustainability economy in British and European public discourse," Bio-based and Applied Economics Journal, Italian Association of Agricultural and Applied Economics (AIEAA), vol. 10(4), December.
    4. Jha, Priyanka & Schmidt, Stefan, 2021. "State of biofuel development in sub-Saharan Africa: How far sustainable?," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 150(C).

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