SUBJECT: ABE 133 LECTURE NOTE NO.

10
SECTION: FG1-3 AB Power and Energy Sources Engineering

Name and Signature:

1. Ramos, Avelina Belen

2. Fines, Mae Amthonette O.

3. Casipe, Anne Gennette

4. Abejar, Krizel

5. Paulio, Alpha Feb

 LECTURE NO. 10
(Biomass in ABE)

I. LEARNING OBJECTIVE/OUTCOMES
– describe current and potential future uses of biomass
– understand the characteristics of biomass resources
– compare different techniques for biomass conversion
– evaluate environmental impacts and apply lifecycle analysis of biomass conversion processes

II. INTRODUCTION

Biomass, a versatile and renewable energy source, is made from organic resources such
as plants, animals, and their waste products. It provides a promising alternative to fossil fuels,
reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable development.

In this lecture, we will look at the interesting world of biomass, including its different forms,
conversion methods, and environmental benefits. We will discuss many types of biomass, such
as agricultural wastes, forestry waste, and energy crops. We will also look at the technologies
utilized to turn biomass into energy, such as direct combustion, biogas generation, and biofuel
manufacturing.

By the end of this lecture, you will have a solid grasp of biomass, its potential as a clean
energy source, and the problems and opportunities that come with its use.

III. DISCUSSION

A. SOURCES OF BIOMASS RESOURCES

● BIOMASS
- is an organic material that comes from living organisms, such as plants and animals. The most
common biomass materials used for energy are plants, wood, and waste products. Biomass is one of
the renewable energy sources. The energy from these organisms can be transformed into usable
energy through direct and indirect means. Biomass can be burned to create heat (direct), or processed
into biofuel (indirect).

Example Byproducts of:

ANIMALS – blood, hooves and horns, bones, fats and fatty acids
PLANTS – husks, seeds, stems, leaf, peels, roots

- It is defined as living or recently dead organisms and any byproducts of those organisms, plant or
animal.
 IMPORTANCE:

Biomass, a renewable energy source derived from organic matter, offers a sustainable and
environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels. It can be sourced from various materials like
agricultural residues, forestry waste, and municipal solid waste. By utilizing biomass, we can reduce our
reliance on fossil fuels, mitigate climate change, and promote sustainable development.

Biomass can be converted into various forms of energy, including heat, electricity, and biofuels.

It can be burned directly, converted into biogas through anaerobic digestion, or processed into liquid
biofuels. Additionally, biomass can be used to produce biochar, a soil amendment that can improve soil
fertility and carbon sequestration

GLOBAL AND REGIONAL AVAILABILITY OF BIOMASS RESOURCES

Global Potential

The global potential for biomass energy is significant. However, its availability and utilization vary widely across
different regions. Factors influencing the availability of biomass include:

● Agricultural Practices: Regions with intensive agriculture produce substantial amounts of agricultural
residues, such as crop stalks and manure.
● Forestry Resources: Countries with abundant forest resources can utilize forest residues and dedicated
energy plantations.
● Climate and Soil Conditions: Climate and soil conditions influence the growth of biomass crops, with
tropical and temperate regions offering favorable conditions.
● Infrastructure and Technology: The availability of infrastructure for biomass collection, transportation, and
processing, as well as the level of technological development, plays a crucial role.

Regional Variations:

● Asia: Asia is a major producer and consumer of biomass, especially in countries like India and China.
Agricultural residues, forest residues, and energy crops like sugarcane and rice husks are widely used.
● Europe: European countries have significant potential for biomass energy, particularly in the form of forest
residues and dedicated energy crops.
● North America: The United States and Canada have substantial biomass resources, including agricultural
residues, forest residues, and energy crops like corn stover and switchgrass.
● South America: Countries like Brazil and Argentina have abundant biomass resources, primarily from
sugarcane and other agricultural crops.
● Africa: Africa has significant biomass potential, especially in the form of agricultural residues and forest
resources. However, challenges such as infrastructure and technology limitations hinder its full utilization.

● AGRICULTURAL BIOMASS

Agricultural biomass, derived from organic matter produced through photosynthesis, is a versatile and
sustainable energy source. It encompasses a wide range of materials, including crop residues, energy crops, and
animal waste.
 Sources of Agricultural Biomass

● Crop Residues: These include the parts of plants that remain after harvesting, such as corn stalks, wheat
straw, rice husks, and sugarcane bagasse.
● Energy Crops: Plants specifically cultivated for energy production, like switchgrass, miscanthus, and willow.
● Animal Waste: Manure from livestock can be converted into biogas, a renewable fuel.

● FORESTRY BIOMASS

Forestry biomass, derived from trees and other woody plants, is a significant renewable energy source. It
provides a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels while contributing to forest health and ecosystem services.

Sources of Forestry Biomass

1. Forest Residues: These include branches, tops, and bark left over from logging operations.
2. Sawmill Residues: Sawdust, wood chips, and shavings generated during timber processing.
3. Forest Thinning: Removing trees to improve the health and productivity of a forest.
4. Energy Plantations: Deliberately planted forests of fast-growing trees, such as poplar and willow.

● INDUSTRIAL AND MUNICIPAL BIOMASS

Industrial Biomass

Industrial biomass refers to organic matter derived from industrial processes, primarily from the
manufacturing and processing sectors. This includes a variety of materials, such as:

1. Wood Processing Residues: Sawdust, wood chips, and bark from sawmills and paper mills.
2. Agricultural Processing Wastes: Food waste, crop residues, and animal byproducts from food processing
industries.
3. Municipal Solid Waste (MSW): Organic components of MSW, such as food waste, paper, and yard waste.

These materials can be converted into various forms of energy, including heat, electricity, and biofuels.

Municipal Biomass

Municipal biomass primarily refers to organic waste generated by households and businesses within urban
areas. This waste can be processed and used as a renewable energy source.

Common Sources of Municipal Biomass:

1. Food Waste: Leftover food, spoiled food, and food packaging.

2. Yard Waste: Grass clippings, leaves, and tree branches.
3. Paper and Cardboard: Newspapers, magazines, and cardboard packaging.
4. Sewage Sludge: Solid waste material removed from wastewater

B. THERMAL CONVERSION PROCESSES

-use predominantly heat to convert biomass into other forms of energy, such as
chemical energy, solid, liquid, or gaseous fuel
1. Combustion
Direct combustion is the controlled burning of biomass to create heat. Drying, pyrolysis,
and reduction are the first three steps in biomass combustion, followed by the
combustion of volatile gases and solid char. The heat is then used to make steam, which
spins a steam turbine that then drives a generator to create electricity. All biomass
combustion systems require feedstock storage and handling systems that feed the
biomass into the combustor. In some cases, the biomass must be dried prior to
combustion.

Direct combustion is better suited for biomass feedstock with low moisture
content.Typical sources of biomass used in direct combustion include solid wood, wood
chips, pellets, sawdust, and shavings as well as agricultural residues such as stalks,
leaves, husks, and shells.

TYPES OF BIOMASS BOILERS AND STOVES

● Wood, pellet, and chip boilers: These are the most common types of biomass
boilers, and wood is the most common fuel.
● Log boilers: They take a lot more wood in the combustion chamber but produce
a lot of energy that is then transferred into the water for the central heating
system.
● Automatic biomass boilers: These use sensors and control technology to run
automatically, with the user only needing to set the parameters.
● Semi-automatic biomass boilers: Another type of biomass boiler for domestic
properties.
2. Pyrolysis
is the thermal degradation of a solid fuel in an inert atmosphere, free of oxygen,
generating a liquid or gaseous fuel and a solid residue, known as char, which comprises
the ash and fixed carbon contents of the fuel.

It involves heating biomass to high temperatures without oxygen, which causes the
material to break into a mixture of gases, liquids, and solids. When biomass is pyrolyzed,
it creates solid, liquid, and gas products. The gases produced by pyrolysis are typically
rich in carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and methane and can be used as fuel or a feedstock
for producing chemicals. The liquids produced are known as bio-oil, while the solids are
known as biochar. Dehydration, depolymerization, isomerization, decarboxylation,
aromatization, and char production are all simultaneous chemical processes that take
place during the breakdown and reaction process known as the pyrolysis of biomass

TYPES OF PYROLYSIS
1. Slow pyrolysis happens over a longer period with very slow heating rates
(higher than 10 °C/min), in which biochar is the main product. The fundamental
purpose of intermediate pyrolysis is to produce a mixture of slow and quick
pyrolysis products. Slow pyrolysis produces high solid yields while producing low
liquid yields, and quick pyrolysis produces high liquid yields while producing low
solid yields. Temperatures between 300 and 500 °C and heating rates between
0.1 and 10 °C/min are often employed for intermediate pyrolysis.
2. Fast Pyrolysis produces large bio-oil yields using highspeed heating rates with
short residence periods. This temperature range of this process is typically
400–600°C, but the temperature for the maximum yield is most commonly
around 500°C; the residence time is shorter, approximately 2 s, and the heating
rate is higher
3. Flash pyrolysis is characterized by rapid heating rates (>1000 °C/s) and high
reaction temperatures (800–1000 °C), has been shown to afford high yields of
bio-oil with low resulting water content and conversion efficiencies of up to 70%.
The residence times used are even shorter than those of fast pyrolysis, typically
less than 0.5 s, with the primary products being gases and bio-oil. With the
primary purpose of preventing the re-polymerization of degraded products, flash
pyrolysis is becoming increasingly popular as a viable method for synthesizing
liquid fuels from biomass utilizing very high temperatures and shorter reaction
times.

PRODUCTS OR PYROLYSIS
❖ BIO-OIL is a liquid fuel containing a mix of hydrocarbons, oxygenates, and water.
It was utilized for heat and power generation, upgraded into renewable diesel or
jet fuel, and serves as a chemical feedstock for acetic acid, phenols, and resins
❖ BIO-CHAR is a carbon-rich solid residue left after pyrolysis. A carbon-rich solid
used as a soil amendment to enhance fertility and water retention, a method for
 carbon sequestration, and a material for water filtration or activated carbon
production.
❖ SYNGAS Syngas is a gaseous mixture primarily consisting of hydrogen (H₂),
carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH₄), and some CO₂. A gaseous mixture, is
burned for power, converted into hydrogen or liquid fuels through
Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, or used in ammonia and methanol production. These
products offer sustainable solutions for energy, agriculture, and industrial
applications.

3. Gasification
is a technological process that can convert any carbonaceous (carbon-based) raw
material such as coal into fuel gas. The process involves heating biomass to high
temperatures (700–1000 °C) in the presence of a limited amount of oxygen or steam,
which causes the biomass to break down into a mixture of gases, including hydrogen,
carbon monoxide, and methane. The syngas can then be used as a fuel to generate
electricity and heat or as a feedstock for producing chemicals and other products.

SYNGAS
'Syngas' or 'synthesis gas' is a combination of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, small
quantities of carbon dioxide and other trace gases. Normally derived from feedstocks,
Syngas contains carbon, such as biomass, natural gas, heavy oil and coal. In creates
synthetic natural gas and producing methanol or ammonia. Syngas has 50% of the
energy density of natural gas and hence it can be burnt and used as a fuel source.
Refinement of syngas before use allows CO2 to be stripped from the raw gas thereby
enabling the use of CO2 in enhanced oil recovery processes.

The main method of producing syngas from biomass feedstocks is called gasification.
Although gasification reactions can take many forms, these processes are defined by
cranking up the temperature to between 650 and 1,400 degrees Celsius (1,202-2,552
Fahrenheit). There are two approaches to achieving these elevated temperatures: direct
heating and indirect heating. In direct heating, a relatively small amount of oxygen is
added to the reactor. If this gas is made up of more than 90 percent oxygen, the
resulting syngas will be rich in carbon monoxide and hydrogen
 APPLICATION OF SYNGAS
Syngas can be used to produce a wide range of fertilizers, fuels, solvent and synthetic
materials. Few examples are as follows:
● Steam for use in turbine drivers for electricity generation
● Nitrogen for use as pressurizing agents and fertilizers
● Hydrogen for electricity generation, use in refinery industry to extract more diesel
and gasoline from crude oil and for a large variety of hydrogenation reactions
where hydrogen is added to unsaturated hydrocarbons
● Ammonia for use as fertilizers and for the production of plastics like polyurethane
and nylon.
● Methanol for the production of plastics, resins, pharmaceuticals, adhesives,
paints and also as a component of fuels.
● Carbon monoxide for use in chemical industry feedstock and fuels
● Sulfur for use as elemental sulfur for chemical industry
● Minerals and solids for use as slag for roadbeds.

4. Torrefication
also known as mild pyrolysis, is a thermochemical conversion process that introduces a
solid feedstock within an elevated temperature oxygen-limited environment and
upgrades it to a more energy dense, storable product.

Biomass torrefaction can take place in either dry or moist circumstances. Biomass can
be torrefied in non-oxidative (inert) or oxidative atmospheres at temperatures ranging
from 200 to 300 °C in dry torrefaction. In non-oxidative torrefaction, nitrogen and carbon
dioxide have been used as carrier gases. When thermally treated biomass materials,
nitrogen is the most often employed carrier gas to sweep them; in oxidative torrefaction,
pretreating biomass using gases with changing oxygen concentrations as carrier gases
has been investigated. Because of the presence of oxygen and the exothermic
processes that occur during thermal degradation, oxidative torrefaction has a faster
response rate than non-oxidative torrefaction

BENEFIT OF TORREFACTION
Torrefaction enhances biomass properties, making it a superior renewable fuel
alternative to coal. It increases energy density (18–23 MJ/kg), comparable to coal, while
reducing weight, which lowers transportation costs. The process makes biomass
hydrophobic, allowing outdoor storage without degradation, and stabilizes it by removing
volatile compounds, preventing decomposition and microbial growth. Torrefied biomass
is brittle, improving grindability for use in coal-fired power plants with minimal
modifications. Environmentally, it is carbon-neutral and produces fewer sulfur and
nitrogen emissions compared to coal. Its versatility as a fuel for power generation,
industrial heating, and gasification makes it a cost-efficient and sustainable energy
solution.

ADVANTAGES OF TORREFIED BIOMASS AS FUEL

● Torrefied biomass is resistant to moisture, enabling outdoor storage without
significant degradation
● Torrefaction processes are designed to enhance the characteristics of the
treated biomass, such as grindability, a decreased capacity to absorb moisture,
lower molecular compositional oxygen-to-carbon and hydrogen-to-carbon ratios,
and better heating values.
● Torrefied biomass can be co-fired with coal or used as a direct substitute in
existing coal-fired power plants with minimal modifications.
● The removal of volatile compounds reduces the risk of spontaneous combustion
during storage and transportation.
● Can be used in various applications, including power generation, industrial
heating, and as a feedstock for gasification or pyrolysis.
● Can also be used with various feedstocks, including wood chips, agricultural
residues, and municipal solid waste. This can help reduce waste disposal costs
and promote sustainability.
 ● The torrefaction process also improves the quality of biomass-derived solid
fuels.

C. Biological Conversion Processes

- These processes use microorganisms to break down organic materials into
products like biofuels, biogas, and compost. They support sustainability by
reducing waste and utilizing renewable resources.

1. Anaerobic Digestion

Microorganisms break down organic matter in the absence of oxygen, producing biogas (mainly
methane and carbon dioxide) and digestate (by-products for use as fertilizer).

● Stages of Biogas Production:

○ Enzymatic Hydrolysis: Breaks complex compounds (fats, proteins, carbs) into
simpler water-soluble compounds.
○ Acid Formation: Bacteria produce acids (acetic, propionic), releasing CO₂.
○ Methane Formation: Methane-forming bacteria convert acids into biogas, optimal
at pH 6.5–8.
● Types of Digesters:
○ Fixed Dome Plants: Underground dome collects gas under pressure; durable but
higher construction costs.
○ Floating Drum Plants: Movable drum stores gas; easy operation but
maintenance-intensive.
○ Polyethylene Tube Digesters: Simple, lightweight, and cost-effective for
small-scale setups.
○ Balloon Plants: Flexible and portable; suitable for low-budget needs.
○ Horizontal Plants: Ideal for flat terrains, easy to maintain but costly.
○ Earth-Pit Plants: Cost-efficient; relies on stable soil for support.
○ Ferro-Cement Plants: Durable with a lifespan of over 15–20 years, constructed
with mesh and cement.
● Industrial Digesters:
○ Batch Plants: Operate in cycles, require periodic feeding.
○ Continuous Plants: Automated, requiring smaller regular inputs, but costlier.

2. Fermentation

Breaks down starch or cellulose into sugars, which are fermented to produce ethanol and
carbon dioxide. This process occurs anaerobically in the cytoplasm of cells.
 ● Types of Biofuels:
○ First-Generation: Made from food crops (corn, sugarcane).
■ Simple and efficient but competes with food supply.
○ Second-Generation: Derived from lignocellulosic biomass (e.g., straw, forestry
waste).
■ Sustainable and uses waste materials but requires advanced technology.
● Examples of Products:
○ Bioethanol: Ethanol from fermenting plant sugars.
○ Other Biofuels: Made from biomass, algae, or animal waste.

3. Composting

A biochemical process where microorganisms (aerobic and anaerobic) decompose organic

matter into compost, a nutrient-rich material for soil.

● Phases of Composting:
○ Mesophilic Phase: Moderate temperature, microbes break down simple
compounds.
○ Thermophilic Phase: High temperature, pathogens killed at >55°C, complex
compounds decomposed.
○ Cooling and Maturation Phase: Microbes stabilize compost and complete the
curing process.
● Benefits:
○ Reduces waste sent to landfills.
○ Cuts methane emissions.
○ Improves soil health and reduces erosion.
○ Conserves water and lessens personal food waste.

D. Chemical Conversion Processes

1. Hydrothermal Liquefaction

Is a thermo-chemical process for obtaining bio-oil from biomass in the presence of water (as a
solvent) at a medium temperature (250-400 degrees Celsius) and high pressure (4 to 25 MPa).
It has the potential to create lower-oxygen oil than fast pyrolysis and other methods.
This technique enhances the grade of bio-oil in terms of higher heating value, bio-oil yield, and
nitrogen and oxygen contents.

Three main pathways (steps) of hydrothermal liquefaction:

1. Depolymerization of the biomass

2. Cracking of biomass monomer

3. Removal of water carboxyl groups, and amino groups

3. Hydrogenation and Fischer- Tropsch Synthesis

o Conversion of biomass-derived syngas into liquid fuels

The gasified form of biomass is called syngas which can be further converted to fuels, liquid
products and other chemicals. After pretreatment of biomass, gasification occurs at high
temperature in the presence of oxidizing agents. The biomass is oxidized to produce syngas
through several steps. Syngas contains mainly CO, H2 and small amounts of impurities and
these impurities are removed based on downstream usage of the syngas. Through gasification,
all the carbon content in the biomass is converted into syngas and the main use of biomass
syngas is the generation of heat / power. Common chemicals obtained from the syngas are:
methanol from CO and H2; ammonia from N2; H2 and liquid hydrocarbons by Fisher-Tropsch
synthesis. Different types of catalysts are used in the thermo-chemical routes like sulphide type
mixed alcohol catalyst, Rh/SiO2, Rh/MCM-41, Cu/MCM-41, from which oxygenates and
hydrocarbon products can also be produced.

o Overview of chemical pathways and catalyst requirements

Types of Catalysts

● Homogeneous Catalysts: These exist in the same phase as the reactants (e.g., liquid or
gas) and form intermediate complexes to enhance reaction rates. They are often difficult
to recover after the reaction.
● Heterogeneous Catalysts: These are in a different phase than the reactants (usually
solid) and facilitate reactions on their surface, involving steps like adsorption, activation,
reaction, and desorption.

Mechanisms of Catalysis

Enzyme Catalysis: Biological catalysts that significantly increase reaction rates through
specific interactions with substrates.

Chemical Catalysis: Involves lowering activation energy through various pathways, such
as hydrogenation reactions using metal catalysts.

Catalyst Requirements

● Selectivity: Ability to direct reactions toward desired products.

● Surface Area: Larger surface areas enhance reaction rates for heterogeneous catalysts.
● Optimal Conditions: Temperature and pressure must be maintained for effective catalyst
performance.
● Stability and Recovery: Important for maintaining catalyst effectiveness and ease of
reuse.
E. Uses of Biomass Converted Products
What are Bio-based Products?

These are products that are wholly or partially derived from materials of biological origin,
excluding embedded in geological formations and/or fossilized. These products can be
used in place of traditional fossil-based products, and can help reduce waste,
greenhouse gas emissions, and toxicity.

Biopower – Energy Generation

Biopower could be described as heat or electric power generated from biomass through
various conversion processes. The simplest example for this is when we burn wood for
heat and use it for cooking.

Electricity and Heat Production

1. Combustion

o Most electricity generated from biomass is produced by direct

combustion. Biomass is burned in a boiler to produce high-pressure
steam. The said steam flows over a series of turbine blades, causing them
to rotate, thus driving a generator and producing energy.

o Combined Heat and Power (CHP), also known as cogeneration, is the

concurrent production of electricity or mechanical power and useful
thermal energy from a single source of energy. Moreover, CHP systems
burn fuel (in this case, biogas) to turn generators to produce electricity and
 use heat recovery devices to capture the heat from the turbine or engine.
The said heat is then converted into useful thermal energy, usually in the
form of steam or hot water.

2. Gasification

o The conversion of biomass into electricity is through a controlled

thermal conversion process. The process involves heating biomass with a
 limited supply of oxygen to create combustible gas (syngas) to generate
electricity. Syngas can fuel turbines or ICE for electricity generation.

3. Anaerobic Digestion

o The methane captured from the process of anaerobic digestion are

burned to produce heat, electricity or a combination of two. The biogas
can be burned directly in a gas boiler to produce heat or burnt in a CHP
unit to produce heat and electricity.

4. Pyrolysis

o Power generation using pyrolysis is essentially the use of pyrolytic oils

for the gas turbine integrated into a combined cycle. Such oils are
combusted directly to generate power.

Integration of biomass energy with other renewable energy systems

Combining biomass energy with other renewable systems can make energy more
reliable, efficient, and sustainable. It uses the strengths of each energy source to
balance out their weaknesses. Examples of this idea are:

1. Hybrid Power Plants

2. Energy Storage Integration

3. Co-firing

4. Hydrogen Production

5. Integrated Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS)

6. Smart Grid Integration

7. District Cooling and Heating

Biofuels – Transportation Fuels

Biodiesel
Biodiesel is made by converting vegetable oils into compounds called fatty acid methyl
esters. It used to fuel compression-ignition (diesel) engines. Biodiesel can be blended
with petroleum diesel in any percentage, including B100 (pure biodiesel) and, the most
common blend, B20 (a blend containing 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel).

Biodiesel has higher cetane number than conventional diesel fuel. Moreover, cetane
number of biodiesels vary depending on the commodity used to make it:

● Vegetable oil: 46-52

● Animal fat: 56-60
● B20 blend: 50
● B100: 55

Biodiesel is used in conventional diesel engines as a direct substitute for traditional

petroleum diesel. It significantly reduced emissions of carbon monoxide, particulate
matter, unburned hydrocarbons, and sulfates compared to petroleum diesel fuel.
Moreover, it reduces carcinogenic compounds emissions by as much as 85% compared
with petrodiesel.

Bioethanol

Bioethanol is an alternative to fossil fuel transportation fuel. It comes from sugar- and
starch-containing crops, also from agricultural and forestry waste. It is used through
being mixed in a certain percentage with the traditional fossil fuels. It is also used
exclusively in prepared engines (engines that are designed for Bioethanol).

Bioethanol has a high-octane rating but has a low volumetric energy density which
directly translates to vehicles requiring more bioethanol per kilometer compared to
gasoline. Moreover, its octane number depends on its ethanol content:

● E15: 88
● E85: 108

Bioethanol, when burned, emits heat, water vapour, and little to no carbon dioxide.
Compared to fossil fuels, bioethanol is environmentally safe as it emits fewer
greenhouse gases.

Biogas

Biogas is a renewable fuel that's produced when organic matter, such as food or animal
waste, is broken down by microorganisms in the absence of oxygen (anaerobic
 digestion). It is a mixture of methane, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. When biogas is
compressed, it can be used as a vehicle fuel.

Challenges and Opportunities for Biofuels in Reducing CO2 Emissions

Biofuels are promoted as an alternative to fossil fuels as they could help reduce
greenhouse gas emissions. However, it has been raised that their wider deployment
could lead to unintended environmental consequences:

● Deforestation
● Loss of Biodiversity
● Soil Erosion

Even so, there are still opportunities behind the use of biofuels as an alternative to the
conventional fuels:

● Use of Waste and Residues

● Hybridization with Other Renewables

Bioproducts and Chemicals

Bio-based Chemicals

Bio-based chemicals are chemicals that come from biomass, which is a renewable
resource derived from plants, animals, and their by-products. Biobased products
generally provide an alternative to conventional petroleum-derived products. Examples
are:

1. Bioethanol - used as a solvent, fuel, or feedstock for chemicals like ethylene

and polyethylene.

2. Lactic Acid - used to produce polylactic acid (PLA) for biodegradable

plastics.

3. Succinic Acid - a precursor for biodegradable polyesters and other

chemicals.

4. Glycerol - derived from biodiesel production, used in cosmetics,

pharmaceuticals, and food.
Bio-based Plastics

Bio-based plastics are fully or partially made from biological resources, rather than fossil
raw materials. They are not necessarily biodegradable or compostable.

Two types:

1. Biodegradable:

a. Polylactic Acid (PLA) – a transparent thermoplastic aliphatic

polyester derived from corn, sugarcane, seaweed, and shrimp
shells.
b. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) – is a bioplastic produced by
microorganisms through bacterial fermentation of sugars and lipids.

2. Non-biodegradable:

a. Bio-PE (Polyethylene) – is a polymer derived from corn starch or

sugarcane through fermentation (extraction of ethanol).
b. Bio-PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) - is a thermoplastic
produced from the fermentation of sugar.

Other Bio-based Industrial Products

1. Bio-lubricants

2. Bio-based Textiles

3. Bio-based Adhesives and Coatings

4. Bio-composites

Bioproducts Market size is projected to reach Multimillion USD by 2029. Despite the
presence of intense competition, investors are still optimistic in pursuing this area
mainly because of the global recovery trend.

Circular economy is an economic system based on the reuse and regeneration of

materials or products, especially as a means of continuing production in a sustainable
or environmentally friendly way. Bioproducts are one of the main pillars of the circular
economy. This is because of the following reasons:

● Reduced wastes
 ● Reduced emissions
● Creation of eco-friendly alternatives
● Substitute agrochemicals

Soil Amendments and Fertilizers

Bio-based soil amendments are soil amendments that contain biological materials such
as manure, non-fecal animal byproducts, peat moss, manure, sewage sludge
biosolids, table waste, and/or stabilized compost. Moreover, these are materials that
are added to the soil to enhance its physical or chemical properties.

The following are examples of bio-based soil amendments:

1. Compost

2. Biochar

3. Animal Manure

4. Vermicompost

5. Crop Residues

6. Digestate

7. Seaweed and Algae-based Products

Biomass-based fertilizers are derived from plant or animal matter. These are
sustainable alternatives to synthetic fertilizers, encouraging sustainable agricultural
practices. Biofertilizers contain beneficial microorganisms and increase nutrient
absorption and promote plant growth. This reduces the reliance of agriculture on
chemical inputs.
F. Environmental and Economic Considerations
1. Environmental Impact of Biomass Utilization
● Life Cycle Analysis of Biomass Energy and Bioproducts

Life cycle analysis (LCA) is a critical tool for assessing the

environmental impact of biomass energy and bioproducts. It
evaluates the total environmental effects from biomass production
through to its end-use, including cultivation, processing,
transportation, and consumption.

Stages of Life Cycle Analysis (LCA)

Cultivation: This involves growing the biomass, which requires land,

water, and energy inputs. The environmental impact at this stage includes
land use changes, water consumption, and emissions from agricultural
practices.

Processing: After harvesting, biomass often undergoes processing to

convert it into usable forms (like pellets or biofuels). This stage includes
energy consumption for processing and potential emissions from
equipment.

Transportation: Biomass must be transported from where it is grown to

where it is processed or used. Transportation can significantly affect the
overall carbon footprint due to fuel consumption and emissions. The
efficiency of transportation modes (truck, rail, or ship) also plays a crucial
role here. Consumption: Finally, biomass is used for energy production
 (e.g., burning for heat or converting into electricity). The environmental
impacts here include emissions released during combustion and the overall
efficiency of energy conversion.

● Impact on land use, water resources, and biodiversity

Land Use:

Traditional biomass sources often lead to deforestation and degradation of

natural habitats as forests are cleared for agriculture or energy crops. The
shift towards dedicated energy crops may increase pressure on land
resources, potentially leading to monocultures that diminish biodiversity.

Water Resources:

Biomass production can strain water supplies, particularly in arid regions

where irrigation is necessary. This can lead to reduced water quality due to
runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides used in cultivation.

Biodiversity:

The conversion of diverse ecosystems into monoculture plantations for

biomass production poses a significant threat to local biodiversity. Loss of
habitat can lead to declines in species populations and disrupt ecological
balance.

2. Economic Viability and Market Dynamics

● Cost-benefit analysis of biomass energy project

Cost-benefit analysis (CBA) is a crucial tool for assessing the economic

viability of biomass energy projects. It involves comparing the total
expected costs against the total expected benefits to determine the
feasibility of a project.

● Market trends, subsidies, and incentives for biomass utilization

The biomass energy market is influenced by various trends, including

increasing demand for renewable energy sources due to climate change
concerns and government policies promoting sustainability. Subsidies play
a critical role in enhancing the financial attractiveness of biomass projects.
 ● Challenges in scaling up biomass technologies in agriculture

High Initial Costs: The capital required for installing a biomass system
can be prohibitive, especially for smallholder farmers who maylack access
to financing.

Feedstock Availability: Secure and affordable access to sustainably

sourced feedstocks is crucial for the economic viability of biomass plants.
Variability in feedstock prices can affect profitability significantly.

Technological Barriers: Many existing biomass technologies require

advanced knowledge and infrastructure that may not be readily available
in rural areas. This limits the scalability of these technologies among
small-scale farmers.

Market Competition: Biomass must compete with other renewable

energy sources and traditional fuels, which can be challenging if not
adequately supported by policy measures.

G. Future Trends in Biomass Utilization

1. Advancements in Biomass Technologies
● Innovations in biomass conversion processes and efficiency
improvements

Thermochemical Conversion: This process involves applying heat to

biomass, resulting in products like bio-oil, syngas, and char.

Thermochemical conversion is a process that uses heat to transform

biomass, which is organic material from plants and animals, into various
energy products. This method is particularly effective for converting dry
biomass into useful forms such as bio-oil, syngas (synthesis gas), and char
(a solid residue).

Biochemical Conversion: Utilizing biological agents like enzymes and

microorganisms, biochemical conversion processes have seen
improvements through genetic engineering and process optimization.
These advancements aim to enhance microbial capabilities and increase
the yield of desired products, such as biofuels.

Biochemical conversion is a process that uses living organisms, like

bacteria and enzymes, to change raw materials into useful products. This
 method is particularly important for creating renewable energy sources,
such as biofuels.

● Integration of biomass with other renewable energy sources

1. Co-Firing: Blending biomass with fossil fuels in power generation

helps transition towards renewable energy while utilizing existing
facilities effectively.

Benefits of Co-Firing

Reduced Emissions: By substituting a portion of fossil fuels with

biomass, which is often carbon-neutral, co-firing can significantly lower
greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity generation.

Utilization of Existing Infrastructure: Power plants can continue

operating without the need for extensive modifications, allowing for a
smoother transition to more sustainable energy sources.

Cost-Effectiveness: Co-firing can be economically advantageous by

lowering fuel costs and extending the operational life of fossil fuel power
plants while gradually integrating renewable energy sources.

2. Hybrid Systems: Combining biomass with solar or wind energy

systems can provide more stable energy outputs and enhance
overall system efficiency. This approach allows for better resource
management and utilization of diverse renewable sources.

Advantages of Hybrid Systems

Increased Efficiency: Combining different technologies can lead to

higher overall system efficiency and lower costs per unit of electricity
produced.

Sustainability: Utilizing diverse renewable sources minimizes reliance on

fossil fuels, contributing to a reduction carbon emissions and promoting
environmental sustainability

2. Global and Regional Trends

● Growth of the biomass industry worldwide
 Market Expansion: The global market for biomass is projected to expand
as countries seek to meet renewable energy targets and reduce carbon
emissions. This growth is supported by government policies promoting
sustainable energy solutions.

Investment in Technology: Significant investments are being made in

research and development to improve biomass conversion technologies,
making them more economically viable and environmentally friendly.
This includes advancements in both thermochemical and biochemical
processes.

● Case studies of successful biomass projects in agriculture and industry

1. Chariton Valley Biomass Project, Iowa, USA

This project involves farmers planting switchgrass onConservation

Reserve Program (CRP) land. Initially covering 5,500 acres, it
aims to expand to 50,000 acres, producing 200,000 tons of
switchgrass annually. This biomass will supply 5%of the fuel for a
utility power plant. The initiative not only provides an income
stream for farmers but also enhances energy independence while
maintaining environmental benefits.

2. Efficient Utilization of Agricultural Wastes Project, China

Funded by the Asian Development Bank, this project ran from

2005 to 2009 and focused on developing household and
medium-sized biogas digesters across rural China. It provided
clean energy to over 34,000 households and significantly reduced
carbon emissions by approximately 84,429 tons annually. The
Project lifted about 9,000 households out of poverty and increased
household incomes by 86% compared to non-beneficiary
households.

3. Ørsted Biomass Power Plant, Denmark

This facility exemplifies sustainable energy generation by utilizing

wood chips and agricultural waste to produce clean electricity.
Ørsted's innovative approach reduces carbon emissions
 significantly and contributes to Denmark's border renewable
energy goals

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%20for%20its,be%20used%20as%20liquid%20fuel.

Agricultural biomass. (2024, November 22). Agriculture and Rural Development.

https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/sustainability/economic-sustainability/bioeconomy/agricultural-biomass_en#:~:text=Furthe

rmore%2C%20dedicated%20energy%20crops%20like,cellulosic%20and%20ligno%2Dcellulosic%20biomass.

Clark, E. (2023, November 17). What is Biomass? Energy Theory. https://energytheory.com/what-is-biomass/

Corporation, T. H. (2024, April 23). BIOMASS ENERGY - PART 3: METHODS OF ENERGY CONVERSION FROM BIOMASS.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/biomass-energy-part-3-methods-conversion-from-thuanhaicorporation-rso6c