Three generations of biofuels have resulted from biofuel research and development. Each generation has its feedstock, with its own set of potential advantages and disadvantages. Biofuels made from an established row crop, such as corn ethanol or soy biodiesel, are known as first-generation biofuel.

Biogas consists of hydrocarbons, which are flammable and may generate heat and energy when burned. Biogas forms by a biochemical process in which particular bacteria transform biological wastes into usable biogas.

In 1890, Rudolph Diesel invented biodiesel, which allowed pure vegetable oils to be utilized in diesel engines for agriculture in areas where petroleum diesel was unavailable.

Microalgae can generate meaningful quantities of polysaccharides (sugars) and triacylglycerides. They have piqued attention as a possible feedstock for biofuel generation (fats). These are the raw ingredients used to make bioethanol and biodiesel, both used as transportation fuels.

The biofuel economy is increasing rapidly. Its economic growth is based on agricultural production, and most people live in rural areas. In the most biomass-intensive strategy, modernized biomass energy will contribute by 2050 about one-half of the entire energy demand in developing countries.

Sustainability is the approach to decreasing environmental impact and enhancing the quality of life for communities. Resilience is the convention of organizing things to persist physical, social, and economic shocks and strains.