Faculty Publications

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Scholarly Publications by Integral Academia

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A Perspective on the Circular Economy of Advanced Biofuels
(Springer Nature, 2025) Rahil Akhtar Usmani, Akram Ahmad Khan, Asim Hasan, Mudasir A. Dar
Fossil fuels are the primary sources for fulfilling rising energy demand and have significant environmental consequences. It necessitates a shift toward renewable and sustainable energy sources. Advanced biofuels are proposed as one feasible option for replacing fossil fuels. Adding the associated benefits of emissions savings and co-products from the production process enhances the sustainability of advanced biofuels. This chapter investigates the potential of advanced biofuels under a circular economy framework to confirm whether they can decouple economic growth from rising emissions. To answer this, the potential is explored under the framework of environmental benefits, technoeconomic status, and socioeconomic development. It is concluded that advanced biofuels have substantial potential to contribute to the energy security of the transport sector under the circular economy framework. However, challenges such as high production costs and potential land-use changes must be addressed through technological advancements and sustainable practices.
Advance Biofuels and Circular Economy: Technoeconomic, Socioeconomic and Environmental Implications
(Springer Nature, 2025) Rahil Akhtar Usmani; Mudasir A. Dar, Akram Ahmad Khan
This book offers a holistic analysis of the role of advanced biofuels within the context of the circular economy. It provides a multidisciplinary perspective on cutting-edge developments in biofuel technology, including their sustainability impact, techno-economic and socio-economic considerations. This edited collection merges insights from environmental science, economics, and sustainability studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape of advanced biofuels. Each chapter explores the complex interplay of the circular economy with biotechnological advancement, analysing diverse aspects including biofuel production, impact on local communities, their role in sustainable development and job creation, role in long-term economic growth and tackling climate challenges. The book also offers practical guidance on assessing socio-economic impacts and navigating the regulatory landscape. This is a valuable resource for researchers in the bioeconomy, circular economy, agricultural and environmental economics, as well as policymakers looking to make informed decisions and contribute to sustainable practices.
Assessing Risks in the Circular Economy of the Advanced Biofuel Industry
(Springer Nature, 2025) Suhail Ahmed Khan, Mohd. Abdul Muqeet Maaz
The advanced biofuel industry is having enormous potential in realizing the current as well as future energy needs. Present study focusses to assess and understand the various risks that the biofuel industry is facing in the circular economies. An exhaustive literature review was conducted for 30 studies published between 2014 and 2024, following PRISMA 2020 statements were conducted. Nine major risks are reported that were prevailing in the advanced biofuel industry. The risks identified in the published studies are related with production, supply chain, societal acceptance, fuel price, operational cost, engine compatibility, technological, environment, and management. High operating and fuel costs, fluctuating feedstock prices, and limited biomass availability, which hinder the production and supply chain, are mostly discussed in the articles reviewed for this study. Environmental concerns include competition for land, which contributes to deforestation, biodiversity loss, and conflicts with food production. Whereas, the pre-treatment of lignocellulosic biomass requires substantial water usage, raising significant sustainability issues. Additionally, engine compatibility poses a risk for manufacturers, as minor biofuel blends can help in reducing emissions, but significant blending can cause problems in internal combustion engines. Study concludes that risks in supply chain, production, technology, and operations can be mitigated by optimizing design and planning decisions, adjusting inventory levels, and refining the types and amounts of transported and raw materials. Algal biofuel from microalgae is a promising solution due to its high productivity, but its production cost is high and can be optimized through large-scale operations. Policy improvements could also help the farmers in minimizing the risks associated with biomass feedstock availability and storage.
Recent Developments in Mapping Environmental Sustainability of Advanced Biofuel
(Springer Nature, 2025) Mudasir A. Dar, Rongrong Xie, Atif Khurshid Wani, I Made Sudiana, Farhan Ahmad, Babbiker Mohammed Taher Gorish, Daochen Zhu, Maryam Gheibipour, Reena Singh, Rahil Akhtar Usmani, Akram Ahmad Khan, Jianzhong Sun
Advanced biofuels, derived from non-food biomass, offer a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels by utilizing lignocellulosic biomass, algae, and genetically modified organisms. These advanced and renewable biofuels address the challenges of food-fuel conflict, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and are highly resource efficient. The lignocellulosic biofuels can reduce GHG emissions by up to 90% compared to gasoline despite the production complexities. Similarly, algal biofuels or third-generation biofuels, with their high lipid content and adaptability to diverse environments, offer significant potential for sustainable fuel production while contributing to wastewater remediation. Fourth-generation biofuels employ genetic engineering to enhance photosynthetic efficiency and biomass yields, driving innovations in biofuel technologies. This chapter provides a comprehensive exploration of advanced biofuels, highlighting the sources, and environmental sustainability. Here we have discussed the environmental sustainability of advanced biofuels through life-cycle assessments (LCA), input-output (I-O) analyses, and the evaluation of key indicators such as GHG emissions, water use, and land impact. While advanced biofuels reduce water and land competition, many challenges still remain, including biodiversity loss and resource management. Methodological approaches like attributional and consequential LCAs reveal the trade-offs and systemic impacts of biofuel production, providing insights for sustainable policy development. Overall, advanced biofuels present a promising solution for reducing carbon emissions and achieving energy sustainability, though further research and technological advancements are essential to address environmental and socioeconomic challenges.
Socioeconomic Implications of Advanced Biofuels Production
(Springer Nature, 2025) Mudasir A. Dar, Rongrong Xie, Ahehbaz Ali, Rahil Akhtar Usmani, Niknik Nurhayati, Radityo Pangestu, Md Muzammel hossain, Jianzhong Sun
The early twenty-first century marked a transitional phase in the global energy system, with a strong focus on energy conservation as a strategic priority for optimizing production capacity and minimizing energy costs. Growing concerns over the intensive use of non-renewable resources and environmental degradation caused by the burning of fossil fuels have driven the search for sustainable alternatives like biofuels. Biofuel production has substantial potential to decarbonize economies, reduce dependence on fossil oil, and improve environmental outcomes by cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Additionally, it can create new “green” jobs in rural areas, contributing to a synergistic effect that combines social, economic, and energy-related benefits for a sustainable development, particularly in rural areas across the world. Consequently, biofuel production has emerged as a viable alternative, offering a pathway to energy-efficient and environmentally friendly rural development. In this context, this work details the efficiency of biofuel production from energy crops and waste, aiming to evaluate its significance from economic, and social perspectives. This chapter emphasizes the socioeconomic impacts of producing advanced biofuels, as well as the opportunities and challenges involved. From a societal perspective, involving stakeholders is crucial for addressing the sustainability challenges associated with biofuel production. The policymakers worldwide must actively promote biofuel production and usage by implementing policies that encourage its adoption.