Biofuels may play a part in a greener future.

But what if the land used for biofuel crops—roughly the size of Poland or Germany—were instead covered with solar panels? Analysis shows that this land could generate approximately 32,000 TWh of electricity per year, which is more than enough to meet the world’s energy needs.

If transportation relied on solar-powered electricity rather than biofuels, global road transport would require around 7,000 TWh per year. By converting less than 25% of current biofuel crop land to solar, we could power all cars and trucks worldwide, assuming a fully electric fleet. Solar also complements electric vehicles since EV batteries reduce energy storage concerns.

Land use is another important consideration. Public concern often focuses on solar farms’ impact on landscapes and wildlife, yet the environmental effects of biofuel crops are rarely scrutinized. Cornfields may look harmless, but these monocultures rely heavily on pesticides and fertilizers, which can harm waterways, air quality, and biodiversity. Solar installations, in contrast, allow for partial land regeneration and improved biodiversity in surrounding areas.

Project Drawdown’s analysis also echoes these concerns. Their findings indicate that corn ethanol, due to the expansion and intensification of corn production, does not reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to gasoline.  It is therefore not recommended as a climate solution.

Biofuels from Food Waste

Does this mean biofuels have no role at all? Not necessarily. Food-system waste is a significant contributor to climate change, accounting for roughly 22% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The study published in Nature by Chen et al explores an innovative approach: converting food waste (e.g., cooking oil and crop residues) into biofuels to power food transportation.

Source: Project Drawdown

Transportation accounts for about 19% of food system emissions. Chen’s study, covering 130 countries, found that using just 20% of crop residues could meet most countries’ food transportation fuel needs. These crop residues could reduce emissions by 70% – a whopping 174.9 million tons.

This internal recycling loop reduces waste, cuts fossil fuel dependence, and mitigates emissions.  A promising solution for the food system’s climate impact!

Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Air travel is essential for connecting people, cultures, and goods, yet it contributes significantly to climate change. Aviation accounts for roughly 3 billion tons of CO₂ emissions annually.  When non-CO₂ effects are included (contrails, ozone formation, cirrus clouds), aviation represents about 5% of total anthropogenic warming.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is projected to bring aviation halfway toward net-zero emissions. An exciting collaboration between Firefly Green Fuels (UK) and Synagro (US) is underway to produce SAF from waste. Synagro is North America’s leading provider of biosolids and organic residuals management.  It processes over 16 million tons of biosolids annually, with more than 80% diverted to beneficial reuse.

Firefly converts these biosolids into low-carbon jet fuel, achieving lifecycle carbon reductions of over 90% compared with fossil jet fuel.  

This development turns an unavoidable human byproduct—sewage—into a climate-positive solution.  These innovations are simultaneously addressing waste management and aviation decarbonization, while demonstrating that SAF from waste is both scalable and impactful.

For more information, watch From Waste to Wings: How Synagro and Firefly Are Transforming Biosolid to Sustainable Aviation Fuel.

Looking Ahead

No single solution will solve our energy and climate challenges. Converting all biofuel land to solar, using all food waste for biofuels, or relying solely on SAF will not achieve net zero. But combined, these solutions can make a meaningful difference. Energy strategists must consider multiple dimensions—production, environmental impact, land use, and ecosystem health. By asking better questions and remaining open to complementary solutions, we can take meaningful steps toward a sustainable future.

Dive Deeper into Biofuels with OPL Insights 

One Planet Life’s Insights provide insightful, interactive data to help you better understand the world around you.  Check out the graphs below to better understand how biofuel production has skyrocketed since 2000, and which states are leading the way in biofuel generation.