Technologies

Biomass conversion technologies
are summarized in the following:

 
Conversion process
Feedstock (1)
End-use
Modern bioenergy      
Ethanol Fermentation, Distillation, dehydration Sugarcane, sugar beet, corn, cassava, sorghum, switchgrass, poplar Transport* (gasoline additive, blended with gasoline, used in pure form)
Biodiesel Filtering of oil, transesterfication Oil from rapeseed, soy beans, palm, jatropha, mustard; Waste Vegetable Oil Transport* (blended with diesel, used in pure form); diesel generators
Straight Vegetable Oil (SVO) Filtering of oil Oil from rapeseed, soy beans, palm, jatropha, mustard; Waste Vegetable Oil Transport(2) (blended with diesel, used in pure form); diesel generators. Requires preheating.
Biogas (methane) Anaerobic digestion or fermentation of organic matter Manure, solid waste, biodegradable waste, wastewaters Transport (vehicle fuel); electricity generation (thermal combustion plants); Heating
Wood pellets, residues Processing & compacting Sawdust, forestry residues, wood Electricity generation (thermal combustion plants); Heating
Traditional bioenergy      
Fuelwood None – Heating; Cooking
Dung None – Heating; Cooking

* Not a comprehensive list
** Engine modifications may be necessary
(1) These are not comprehensive lists, as there are very many bioenergy feedstocks
(2) May require engine modifications

  
Principal Issues
Energy Security & Bioenergy Potential
GHG Balance
Biodiversity
Water, Soil & Air
Rural Development
& Job creation
Food Security
Policies, Markets
& other Tools
Traditional use of Biomass
Modern Bioenergy or Biofuels
Technologies


 

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