Forest biomass as an energy resource

Abstract

Biomass is a highly versatile and reliable source of firm, renewable energy, capable of generating heat, power and various biofuels. The technologies used to convert biomass into fuels or energy can be broadly divided into two categories: biochemical and thermochemical. Biochemical pathways for forest biomass conversion into fuels still face techno-economic challenges, requiring further research to make them economically attractive. In contrast, thermochemical conversion processes, including gasification, pyrolysis and combustion, are well suited for forest biomass conversion, with several technologies having reached a fully commercial stage. Combustion, the most common and mature thermochemical pathway, converts forest biomass into heat, power, or combined heat and power. While traditional, inefficient and polluting methods are still used for burning forest biomass, modern, cleaner, and more efficient combustion technologies are available and in use. Some pathways based on gasification and pyrolysis are also commercially viable, providing solid, liquid and gaseous biofuels. These options offer versatility across combustion systems, heat engines, fuel cells and synthesis applications. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of forest biomass as an energy source, covering processing technologies, technology readiness levels, fuel characteristics and pre-treatment methods. It emphasizes the potential and challenges associated with using forest biomass for sustainable energy production.