Contextual analysis of the biofuel sector in Ethiopia: a comprehensive review focusing on sustainability

Abstract

This study presents a contextual analysis of the sustainable development of the biofuel sector in Ethiopia. Biofuel development is one of the foremost priorities in the growth and transformation plan adopted by the country. The aim is to focus on the production of bioethanol and biodiesel from crops, including, but not limited to, sugar cane, jatropha, castor, and palm. Ethanol production is currently linked with the government sugar estates and biodiesel production strategy is initially targeted to be focused on private investment. Ethiopia has been producing bioethanol from molasses, a sugar by‐product, for more than 30 years. Despite the ambitious government strategy in place, the development of biofuel in Ethiopia remains limited. Hence, the current review presents the policies and strategies that have a direct or indirect influence on factors related to biofuel development in Ethiopia. A strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis of biofuel development in the country is presented. Important factors, including feedstock production, market deployment, social acceptance, and policies, were taken into consideration in this analysis. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd