At present biomass and bioenergy are the most significant renewable energy options and will remain so in the near and medium-term future. Biomass has the potential to become the world’s largest and most sustainable energy source and will be very much in demand. Bioenergy is based on resources that can be utilized on a sustainable basis all around the world and can thus serve as an effective option for the provision of energy services. In addition, the benefits accrued go beyond energy provision, creating unique opportunities for regional development.
The current book is the first of a two volume series “Biomass and Bioenergy”, which is an up to date account of highly important characteristics of biomass and bioenergy. The present book comprising of twenty chapters from distinguished scientists and researchers around the tropics, reporting the diversity of untapped biomass and bioenergy resources, their processing and properties as well as their value-added functions as a bio-based feedstock in a sustainable economy. This book articulately highlighted the usefulness of biomass residues that are mostly known in the tropical world. In this book, the inclusion of a broad range of bast fibres, for example, kapok, pine apple leaf, Indian date fibre etc., mainly existing in the tropics with unexploited potential of vast and wide range value-addition in an energy-intensive world makes perfect sense. Lastly, chapters on alternative energy sources highlight the progress in algal biomass research as well as biomass steam gasification for Hydrogen production. We hope this book will serve as a comprehensive primer for individuals who are interested in learning about the vast potentials of tropical biomass.
Biomass obtained from agricultural residues or forest can be used to produce different materials and bioenergy required in a modern society. As compared to other resources available, biomass is one of the most common and widespread resources in the world. Thus, biomass has the potential to provide a renewable energy source, both locally and across large areas of the world. It is estimated that the total investment in the biomass sector between 2008 and 2021 will reach the large sum of $104 billion. Presently bioenergy is the most important renewable energy option and will remain so the near and medium-term future. Previously several countries try to explore the utilization of biomass in bioenergy and composite sector. Biomass has the potential to become the world’s largest and most sustainable energy source and will be very much in demand. Bioenergy is based on resources that can be utilized on a sustainable basis all around the world and can thus serve as an effective option for the provision of energy services. In addition, the benefits accrued go beyond energy provision, creating unique opportunities for regional development. The present book will provide an up-to-date account of non-wood, forest residues, agricultural biomass (natural fibers), and energy crops together with processing, properties and its applications to ensure biomass utilization and reuse. All aspects of biomass and bioenergy and their properties and applications will be critically re-examined. The book consists of three sections, presenting Non wood and forest products from forestry, arboriculture activities or from wood processing, agricultural biomass (natural fibers) from agricultural harvesting or processing and finally energy crops: high yield crops and grasses grown especially for energy production. Provides an up-to-date account of non-wood, forest residues, agricultural biomass (natural fibers) and energy crops together with processing, properties and its applications Critically examines all aspects of biomass and bioenergy A timely collection of research amidst issues such as global warming, the high consumption of energy and the high price of fossil fuel