Abstract
Biofuels have a potential to extend and diversify South Africa’s energy supply, thus reducing
dependence
on imported fuels and pollution levels. Despite several biofuel policies and mandates, biofuel
develop- ment in South Africa has stalled in the legislative process and no large scale
commercial biofuel project has materialized yet. Developing biofuels, especially using food
grains, is a big challenge to the government of South Africa due to issues related to food
security, commodity prices, economic and social concerns, and impacts of land use changes on the
environment. The production cost of feedstock and employment creation opportunities from
agricultural production play a vital role in selecting suitable feedstock for the region. Since
considerable investment and infrastructure will be required for continued supply of feedstock
and efficient biomass conversion technologies, rigorous research and comprehensive studies are
required to identify feedstock and technologies best suited for the successful
establishment of biofuel industry in South Africa.