TABLE OF CONTENTS We are slowly depleting our fossil fuel energy resulting in the need to seek out alternative sources of energy. So far, these have included the harnessing of hydro, tidal, wave and wind power, the capture of solar and geothermal energy supplies, and nuclear power. There is now a growing appreciation of biological solar energy systems and biotechnological advances in this area will soon bring economic reality to selected processes. As fossil-fuel resources are depleted and become increasingly more expensive, conversion of organic residues to liquid fuels will become a more economically-attractive consideration.
There are three main directions that can be followed to achieve biomass supplies: (1) cultivation of so-called energy crops, (2) harvesting of natural vegetation, and (3) utilization of agricultural and other organic wastes. The conversion of the resulting biomass to usable fuels can be accomplished by either biological or chemical means or by a combination of both. The two main end products that will be formed, will be either methane or ethanol although other products may arise depending on initial biomass and the processes utilized, for example, solid fuels, hydrogen, low-energy gases, methanol and longer-chain hydrocarbons.
Although biomass may ultimately only supply a relatively small amount of the world s energy requirements, it will nevertheless be of immense overall value. In some parts of the world, such as Brazil and countries of similar climatic conditions, biomass will surely attain wider exploitation and utilization. There may still be some disadvantages when comparing it with coal...
