Global Status of Biomass Energy Use

Abstract

The aim of this article is to investigate the contribution of biomass energy to global energy demand and energy production from biomass. Biomass energy plays a vital role in meeting local energy demand in many regions of the developing world. Biomass energy utilization has gained particular interest in recent years due to the progressive depletion of conventional fossil fuels, which calls for an increased use of renewable energy sources. Biomass energy is more economical to produce and it provides more energy than other energy forms. Biomass production is eight times greater than the total annual world consumption of all other energy sources.

Keywords:

• biodiesel
• biomass
• electricity
• energy
• ethanol
• potential

Notes

^a Smaller scale systems will be characterized by the higher costs and lower efficiencies indicated in the value ranges. Larger scale systems will be characterized by the lower costs and higher efficiencies indicated in the value ranges.

^b 15% discount rate; biomass fuel cost between €2 and 4/GJ except for digestion and landfill gas plants where fuel cost assumed to be zero; coal cost €1.6/GJ; natural gas cost between €1.5 and €3/GJ. The cost of electricity is calculated for supply of electricity only and the supply of combined heat and power could reduce the electricity cost significantly.