Second-generation biofuel development in iran: current state and future directions

ABSTRACT

Iran is considered one of the most polluted countries in the world, where major cities have consistently dealt with severe air pollution in recent decades. Fossil fuels account for a considerable portion of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in urban areas of Iran. Biofuels have been touted as an effective means of reducing urban air pollution. Since biofuels are largely compatible with the vehicles in Iran, they can be blended with the fossil fuels currently produced in the country as a feasible solution to the pollution crisis. This paper investigates the potential of second-generation biofuel development in Iran. First, potential biofuel resources are identified in each province. Next, the agro-ecological and climatic conditions of Iran for biomass production are evaluated. Lastly, the challenges and opportunities associated with biofuel production are discussed. The resulting managerial insights indicate that agricultural residues and energy crops are the most suitable resources for biofuel production.

KEYWORDS:

• Second-generation biofuels
• biomass resources
• air pollution
• agricultural residues
• energy crops
• forest residues

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the anonymous reviewers for their constructive suggestions.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Notes

¹ The program consists of government incentives for investment in the under-developed regions of Iran.