Emerging Feedstocks and Conversion Routes for Next-Generation Biofuels

Amid the urgency to mitigate climate change, protect public health, and strengthen energy security, biofuels stand out as one of the most viable solutions for sectors where direct electrification faces technical, economic, or infrastructure barriers. Next-generation biofuels (second, third, and fourth generation) are particularly promising. Their “drop-in” compatibility allows them to replace fossil fuels in critical applications without major changes to existing infrastructure, making them immediate and scalable options for hard-to-decarbonize sectors.Their long-term success, however, depends not only on feedstock or conversion route, but on the systematic optimization of the entire value chain from feedstock production to commercialization. Biofuels can drive sustainability when designed under principles of technological efficiency, environmental responsibility, economic viability, and social integration.Feedstock selection shapes overall sustainability. Key options include agricultural and forestry residues, used oils, microalgae, captured CO₂, and where policy permits, energy crops or genetically modified varieties. Each should be evaluated by energy yield, GHG reduction, production cost, and net energy balance. Thermal/thermochemical, chemical and catalytic, and biological are the three main conversion routes.The development of advanced biofuels is not only a technological challenge, but also a strategic opportunity to build a sustainable, resilient, and competitive energy system.This Research Topic explores emerging feedstocks and conversion routes for next-generation biofuels. The aim of the collection is to showcase multidisciplinary perspectives on next-generation biofuels, and the importance of directing research and technological development toward real needs.Contributions on the following topics are welcome from scientific, technological, and industrial communities:• Emerging and non-conventional feedstocks availability, sustainability, and biofuel production potential across different regional contexts, including agricultural and forestry residues, used cooking oils, aquatic biomass, municipal solid waste, and CO₂ with biological organisms.• Conversion technologies for next-generation biofuels, e.g. the development and optimization of thermochemical (pyrolysis, gasification, hydrothermal liquefaction), biochemical (fermentation, anaerobic digestion), catalytic (Fischer–Tropsch, transesterification), and hybrid and intensified processes.• Techno-economic analysis (TEA) and scale-up evaluation of emerging biofuel feedstocks and conversion routes, including capital and operating cost modelling, process integration and optimisation, infrastructure requirements, and the identification of key barriers and opportunities for commercial deployment.• Life cycle assessment (LCA) and sustainability metrics for next-generation biofuel pathways, including greenhouse gas emissions, land and water use, and biodiversity impacts. Topic editors: MARCO ANTONIO SANCHEZ-CASTILLO, Jose Antonio De Los Reyes Heredia Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/83123/emerging-feedstocks-and-conversion-routes-for-next-generation-biofuels