Global Second Generation Biofuels (Advanced Biofuels) Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

• In April 2023, Clariant AG began commercial production of cellulosic ethanol using its Sunliquid technology in Romania. This advanced biofuel is made from agricultural residues, offering significant CO₂ emission reductions compared to fossil fuels​

• In April 2023, a partnership was announced between Compañía Española de Petróleos S.A.U. and Bio-oils Huelva S.L.U. to construct the largest second-generation biofuels plant in Southern Europe

The global second generation biofuels (advanced biofuels) market encompasses a diverse array of feedstock types, biofuel products, technologies, and end-use industries, contributing to the development of sustainable energy solutions worldwide. One of the primary distinctions in feedstock types for second generation biofuels includes simple lignocellulose, complex lignocellulose, algae, and others. Simple lignocellulose sources often consist of agricultural residues like corn stover and wheat straw, while complex lignocellulose feedstocks may include forestry residues or dedicated energy crops such as switchgrass or miscanthus. Algae, on the other hand, represent a promising feedstock due to their high productivity and potential for carbon sequestration, offering an alternative to land-based biomass sources. Additionally, other feedstock options may encompass waste materials such as municipal solid waste or food waste, further diversifying the resource base for second generation biofuels production.

Second generation biofuels are produced through various conversion processes, resulting in different biofuel types tailored to specific applications and market demands. Common biofuel products include cellulosic ethanol, biodiesel, biobutanol, bio dimethyl ether (DME), and others. Cellulosic ethanol, derived from lignocellulosic biomass, serves as a renewable alternative to gasoline and can be blended with conventional fuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel dependence in the transportation sector. Biodiesel, produced through the transesterification of vegetable oils or animal fats, offers a cleaner-burning alternative to petroleum diesel, suitable for use in diesel engines without modifications. Biobutanol, another biofuel type, exhibits properties similar to gasoline and can be blended at higher concentrations in gasoline without requiring engine modifications, offering potential advantages for fuel blending and compatibility.

Various technologies are employed in the production of second generation biofuels, each with its unique advantages and applications. Enzymatic hydrolysis, for instance, utilizes enzymes to break down lignocellulosic biomass into fermentable sugars, facilitating the production of biofuels like cellulosic ethanol. Gasification converts biomass into synthesis gas (syngas), which can be further processed into liquid biofuels or used for heat and power generation. Pyrolysis involves the thermal decomposition of biomass into bio-oil, biochar, and syngas, offering a versatile platform for biofuel and bioenergy production. Fermentation processes utilize microorganisms to convert sugars into biofuels like ethanol or butanol, while transesterification involves the reaction of vegetable oils or animal fats with alcohol to produce biodiesel. Other emerging technologies, such as thermochemical and biochemical conversion pathways, continue to advance the efficiency and sustainability of second generation biofuels production.

In terms of end-use industries, second generation biofuels find applications across various sectors, including transportation, aviation, marine, industrial, and others. In the transportation sector, advanced biofuels offer renewable alternatives to conventional gasoline and diesel fuels, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution from vehicle emissions. Aviation biofuels, derived from sustainable feedstocks, are increasingly used to lower the carbon footprint of air travel and meet sustainability goals in the aviation industry. Similarly, marine biofuels are being explored as cleaner-burning alternatives to traditional marine fuels, addressing emissions concerns in the maritime sector. In industrial applications, advanced biofuels can serve as renewable energy sources for heat and power generation, contributing to decarbonization efforts and enhancing energy security.

Global Second Generation Biofuels (Advanced Biofuels) Segment Analysis

In this report, the Global Second Generation Biofuels (Advanced Biofuels) Market has been segmented by Feedstock Type, Biofuel Type, Technology, End-Use Industry, and Geography.

Global Second Generation Biofuels (Advanced Biofuels) Market, Segmentation by Feedstock Type

The Global Second Generation Biofuels (Advanced Biofuels) Market has been segmented by Feedstock Type into Simple Lignocellulose, Complex Lignocellulose, Algae, and Others.

One category of feedstock commonly utilized in second generation biofuel production is simple lignocellulose, which includes agricultural residues such as corn stover, wheat straw, and rice husks. These lignocellulosic materials are abundant and widely available as byproducts of agricultural activities, making them attractive feedstocks for biofuel production. Simple lignocellulose feedstocks undergo enzymatic hydrolysis or other conversion processes to extract fermentable sugars, which are then fermented into biofuels such as cellulosic ethanol or renewable diesel.

Complex lignocellulose represents another important feedstock category in the second generation biofuels market, consisting of more recalcitrant biomass sources such as forestry residues, hardwoods, and energy crops like switchgrass and miscanthus. These feedstocks contain a higher proportion of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin compared to simple lignocellulosic materials, requiring more intensive pretreatment and conversion technologies to unlock their energy potential. Gasification, pyrolysis, and thermochemical processes are commonly employed to convert complex lignocellulosic biomass into syngas, bio-oil, or biochar, which can then be further processed into advanced biofuels like biomass-to-liquid (BTL) fuels or biohydrogen.

Algae represent a unique and promising feedstock category in the second generation biofuels market, offering high productivity rates and the potential to produce a wide range of biofuels and bioproducts. Algae can be cultivated in various aquatic environments, including freshwater ponds, saltwater ponds, and photobioreactors, using sunlight and carbon dioxide as primary inputs. Algal biomass contains lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins that can be converted into biofuels such as biodiesel, renewable diesel, or bioethanol through lipid extraction, fermentation, or thermochemical processes. Algae-based biofuels offer advantages such as rapid growth rates, high lipid content, and the ability to utilize non-arable land, making them a promising feedstock for sustainable biofuel production.

In addition to simple lignocellulose, complex lignocellulose, and algae, the global second generation biofuels market encompasses other feedstock types such as waste materials and non-food biomass sources. These feedstocks include municipal solid waste, food waste, organic waste, and industrial byproducts, which are abundant and readily available in urban and industrial settings. Waste-based feedstocks offer environmental benefits by diverting organic materials from landfills and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through biofuel production. Moreover, waste-to-energy technologies such as anaerobic digestion, fermentation, and thermochemical conversion enable the valorization of waste materials into valuable biofuels and bioproducts, contributing to circular economy principles and resource efficiency in the bioenergy sector.

Global Second Generation Biofuels (Advanced Biofuels) Market, Segmentation by Biofuel Type

The Global Second Generation Biofuels (Advanced Biofuels) Market has been segmented by Biofuel Type into Cellulosic ethanol, Biodiesel, Biobutanol, Bio DME, and Others.

Cellulosic ethanol stands out as one of the prominent biofuel types within this market segment. Produced from lignocellulosic biomass sources such as agricultural residues, forestry residues, and energy crops, cellulosic ethanol offers significant advantages over traditional ethanol derived from food crops. With its potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate concerns regarding food-versus-fuel competition, cellulosic ethanol represents a key driver of innovation and investment in the biofuels industry.

In addition to cellulosic ethanol, biodiesel emerges as another important biofuel type in the second generation biofuels market. Biodiesel is typically produced from a diverse range of feedstocks, including vegetable oils, animal fats, and recycled cooking oils. Compared to conventional diesel derived from petroleum, biodiesel offers environmental benefits such as reduced emissions of particulate matter, sulfur oxides, and carbon dioxide. Its compatibility with existing diesel engines and infrastructure further enhances its appeal as a renewable fuel alternative for transportation and industrial applications.

Biobutanol is another promising biofuel type that has gained traction in the second generation biofuels market. Produced through microbial fermentation of sugars derived from biomass feedstocks, biobutanol offers several advantages over ethanol, including higher energy density, lower volatility, and better compatibility with existing fuel distribution infrastructure. Biobutanol can be blended with gasoline at higher concentrations than ethanol, making it an attractive option for enhancing the performance and sustainability of gasoline-powered vehicles.

Bio dimethyl ether (Bio DME) represents a relatively newer entrant in the second generation biofuels market, offering a renewable alternative to conventional diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Produced from biomass-derived methanol or syngas, Bio DME exhibits properties similar to those of conventional DME but with lower greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality benefits. With its potential applications as a clean-burning fuel for transportation, heating, and power generation, Bio DME holds promise as a versatile and sustainable energy carrier in the transition towards a low-carbon economy.

Beyond these biofuel types, the second generation biofuels market also encompasses a range of other emerging biofuel options, including biohydrogen, biomethane, and synthetic hydrocarbon fuels. These alternative biofuels offer unique advantages and applications in various sectors, contributing to the diversification of energy sources and the decarbonization of transportation, industry, and power generation. As technological advancements and market demand continue to drive innovation in the biofuels industry, the global market for second generation biofuels is poised for further growth and expansion in the coming years.

Global Second Generation Biofuels (Advanced Biofuels) Market, Segmentation by Technology

The Global Second Generation Biofuels (Advanced Biofuels) Market has been segmented by Technology into Enzymatic Hydrolysis, Gasification, Pyrolysis, Fermentation, Transesterification, and Others.

One of the key technologies employed in this market is enzymatic hydrolysis, which involves the use of enzymes to break down complex biomass materials such as lignocellulose into simpler sugars that can be fermented into biofuels. Enzymatic hydrolysis offers several advantages, including high efficiency and specificity, enabling the conversion of a wide range of feedstocks into biofuels with minimal waste.

Gasification is another important technology used in the production of second generation biofuels. Gasification converts biomass materials into synthesis gas (syngas), a mixture of carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and other gases, through high-temperature, oxygen-starved reactions. Syngas can then be further processed into liquid biofuels such as synthetic diesel or bio-methanol, offering flexibility in feedstock selection and facilitating the integration of biofuels into existing fuel infrastructure.

Pyrolysis is a thermal decomposition process that converts biomass into bio-oil, biochar, and syngas through the application of heat in the absence of oxygen. Bio-oil produced from pyrolysis can be upgraded into transportation fuels such as renewable diesel or jet fuel, providing a versatile and renewable alternative to petroleum-derived fuels. Pyrolysis offers advantages such as fast processing times, high energy efficiency, and the ability to utilize a variety of feedstocks, including agricultural residues, forestry residues, and energy crops.

Fermentation is a widely used technology in the production of biofuels such as ethanol and biobutanol. In second generation biofuel production, fermentation processes utilize microorganisms such as bacteria or yeast to convert sugars derived from biomass feedstocks into alcohol-based fuels. Fermentation offers advantages such as high conversion rates, scalability, and compatibility with existing fuel infrastructure, making it a viable option for biofuel production on a commercial scale.

Transesterification is a chemical process used to produce biodiesel from triglyceride-rich feedstocks such as vegetable oils, animal fats, and recycled cooking oils. In second generation biofuels, transesterification processes can be applied to a wider range of feedstocks, including non-edible oils and fats, to produce biodiesel with reduced environmental impact and improved sustainability. Transesterification offers advantages such as simplicity, versatility, and compatibility with existing diesel engines and distribution infrastructure.

Global Second Generation Biofuels (Advanced Biofuels) Market, Segmentation by End-Use Industry

The Global Second Generation Biofuels (Advanced Biofuels) Market has been segmented by End-Use Industry into Transportation, Aviation, Marine, Industrial, and Others.

One of the primary sectors driving the demand for advanced biofuels is transportation. As countries seek to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and curb greenhouse gas emissions, the transportation industry is increasingly turning to advanced biofuels as a sustainable alternative. Second generation biofuels are used in various modes of transportation, including cars, trucks, buses, and trains, offering a cleaner and more environmentally friendly option for fueling vehicles while reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality.

In the aviation industry, second generation biofuels hold promise as a renewable alternative to conventional jet fuel derived from petroleum. Biojet fuels produced from advanced biofuels feedstocks can be used in commercial and military aircraft, offering airlines and aviation operators a pathway to reduce their carbon footprint and comply with environmental regulations. As the aviation sector faces pressure to decarbonize and achieve sustainability goals, advanced biofuels present an opportunity to lower emissions and transition towards more environmentally sustainable flight operations.

Marine transportation represents another significant end-use industry for second generation biofuels. Biofuels derived from non-food feedstocks such as algae, waste oils, and lignocellulosic biomass can be used to power ships and vessels, offering an alternative to traditional marine fuels such as heavy fuel oil and marine diesel. Advanced biofuels have the potential to reduce sulfur and nitrogen oxide emissions from marine engines, mitigate air pollution in coastal areas and ports, and contribute to the maritime sector's efforts to achieve compliance with international emissions standards and regulations.

In the industrial sector, second generation biofuels find applications in a wide range of industrial processes, including heating, steam generation, and power generation. Biofuels derived from biomass sources such as agricultural residues, forestry residues, and energy crops can be used as a renewable energy source in industrial facilities, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions. Industrial biofuels offer a sustainable solution for meeting energy demand in manufacturing plants, refineries, pulp and paper mills, and other industrial operations, contributing to the transition towards a low-carbon economy.

Second generation biofuels have applications in other industries beyond transportation, aviation, marine, and industrial sectors. These include heating and cooling systems for residential and commercial buildings, as well as distributed energy generation for off-grid communities and rural areas. Advanced biofuels offer versatility and flexibility in meeting energy needs across various industries and applications, supporting efforts to achieve energy security, environmental sustainability, and economic development on a global scale.

Global Second Generation Biofuels (Advanced Biofuels) Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Second Generation Biofuels (Advanced Biofuels) Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Global Second Generation Biofuels (Advanced Biofuels) Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

The global second generation biofuels (advanced biofuels) market exhibits varying dynamics across different regions, reflecting diverse regulatory frameworks, feedstock availability, technological advancements, and market maturity levels. In North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, the second generation biofuels market has witnessed significant growth driven by supportive government policies, such as renewable fuel standards (RFS) and low carbon fuel standards (LCFS), aimed at promoting the use of advanced biofuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy security. Additionally, abundant agricultural residues and forest biomass serve as feedstock sources for advanced biofuel production, further bolstering market expansion in the region.

In Europe, the second generation biofuels market is characterized by a robust regulatory environment, with the European Union (EU) implementing ambitious renewable energy targets and sustainability criteria for biofuels under the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and the recast Directive on the Promotion of the Use of Energy from Renewable Sources (RED II). These regulations incentivize the production and use of advanced biofuels derived from sustainable feedstocks, such as lignocellulosic biomass and waste materials, to meet transportation fuel mandates and decarbonization goals. Moreover, technological innovations and research initiatives drive market growth and competitiveness in the European biofuels sector.

The Asia Pacific region represents a significant growth opportunity for the second generation biofuels market, fueled by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and increasing energy demand. Countries such as China, India, and Japan are investing in advanced biofuel technologies to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, improve energy security, and mitigate air pollution and carbon emissions. Additionally, abundant agricultural residues, energy crops, and algae resources offer vast potential for biofuel feedstock production in the region, attracting investments from both domestic and international stakeholders.

In Latin America, the second generation biofuels market is driven by a combination of factors, including favorable agro-climatic conditions, extensive land availability, and supportive government policies promoting biofuel development and investment. Countries such as Brazil and Argentina have well-established biofuel industries, primarily focused on first-generation biofuels like sugarcane ethanol and biodiesel. However, there is increasing interest and investment in advanced biofuel technologies, particularly cellulosic ethanol and biodiesel from non-food feedstocks, to diversify the bioenergy portfolio and enhance sustainability in the region.

In the Middle East and Africa, the second generation biofuels market is emerging, with growing interest in biofuel production as part of efforts to diversify economies, reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports, and address environmental challenges. Countries with abundant biomass resources, such as agricultural residues and woody biomass, are exploring opportunities to develop advanced biofuel industries and capitalize on renewable energy sources for transportation and power generation. However, market development in the region is constrained by infrastructure limitations, regulatory uncertainties, and investment challenges, requiring concerted efforts from governments and industry stakeholders to overcome barriers and unlock the full potential of the bioenergy sector.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Second Generation Biofuels (Advanced Biofuels) Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Key players in Global Second Generation Biofuels (Advanced Biofuels) Market include

• Abengoa Bioenergy
• DuPont Industrial Biosciences
• POET LLC
• Neste Corporation
• GranBio
• Beta Renewables
• Renewable Energy Group, Inc.
• Amyris, Inc.
• Novozymes A/S
• Clariant AG

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis