An overview of biofuels policies and industrialization in the major biofuel producing countries

Biofuels are important substitute for fossil fuel with the advantages such as susatainablility, environmental friendly and good adaptability. In the last 10 years, biofuels development has been driven by the government policies. Many countries and areas have authorized laws and regulations to ensure the sustainable development of biofuels. By the support of the government, some biofuel projects have been commercialized. This paper reviews the national biofuel policies and strategy plans of the world's leading states, the government has provided sustained and cost-sharing privileges decreasing subsidies for the whole process from feedstock, from experimentation to industrialization of bioenergy industry in order to reduce investment risk. As a result of these supports, bioethanol and biodiesel have commercialized in several states, aviation biofuels are developing rapidly in the support of world's major airlines and US military. While there is political debate over the impact of biofuels on climate change and food security, it would be a challenge for the policy makers to continue trends of biofuels production while complying with sustainable production requirements. (C) 2015 Published by Elsevier Ltd.