Enhancing Economic and Environmental Sustainability in Lignocellulosic Bioethanol Production: Key Factors, Innovative Technologies, Policy Frameworks, and Social Considerations

Alfred Elikem Kwami Afedzi, Getrude Shallom Afrakomah, Kwame Gyan, Jamil Khan, Ramatu Seidu, Theophilus Baidoo, Imrana Niaz Sultan, Afrasiab Khan Tareen () and Pramuk Parakulsuksatid ()
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Alfred Elikem Kwami Afedzi: Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan Rd, Ladyao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Getrude Shallom Afrakomah: Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan Rd, Ladyao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Kwame Gyan: Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan Rd, Ladyao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Jamil Khan: Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan Rd, Ladyao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Ramatu Seidu: Department of Chemistry, University of Bari, Aldo Moro, Via E. Orabona, 70126 Bari, Italy
Theophilus Baidoo: Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi AK-448-6434, Ghana
Imrana Niaz Sultan: Department of Biotechnology, Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences, Quetta 87300, Pakistan
Afrasiab Khan Tareen: Department of Biotechnology, Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences, Quetta 87300, Pakistan
Pramuk Parakulsuksatid: Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan Rd, Ladyao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 2, 1-23

Abstract: Lignocellulosic bioethanol is a promising renewable energy source that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy security. However, its commercialization faces significant economic and environmental challenges, including high feedstock costs, complex pretreatment processes, expensive enzyme formulations, and substantial energy and water requirements. This review examines the key factors affecting its viability, including feedstock costs, enzyme efficiency, co-product generation, greenhouse gas emissions, water use, energy efficiency, and land use impacts. Recent advancements in pretreatment technologies, enzyme recycling, genetically engineered microbial strains, and fermentation strategies are discussed for their potential to improve process efficiency and reduce production costs. This review also explores co-product valorization, including lignin and biogas utilization, which can enhance the economic sustainability of bioethanol production by generating additional revenue streams, offsetting operational costs, and improving overall process efficiency. Identifying research gaps, it highlights the need for cost-effective feedstock supply chains, advanced enzyme technologies, and optimized fermentation methods. Additionally, the role of life cycle assessments and government policies, including subsidies, is considered in shaping production costs and the environmental impact. By integrating economic and environmental perspectives, this review provides insights into advancing the sustainable production of lignocellulosic bioethanol, emphasizing the importance of continued innovation to overcome existing challenges.

Keywords: lignocellulosic bioethanol; environmental sustainability; feedstock optimization; enzyme hydrolysis and fermentation; economic impact; life cycle assessment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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