Tidal Current Energy

Biomass
169
With the multitude of organic residues and biomass sources available, as
well as the many different processing combinations that yield solid, liquid and
gaseous bioenergy and biofuels, selecting the most effective biomass feedstock
and conversion technologies for a particular application and size of operation
is critical. A number of factors must be examined closely in the selection and
development of appropriate conversion systems that are technically feasible,
economically and energetically viable, and environmentally sound. These factors
are particularly significant for large-scale biomass energy systems where
the continuity of operation, as well as bioenergy and biofuel production, are
essential. Hence, major barriers must be overcome to enable biomass energy to
have a larger impact in displacing fossil fuels. Key barriers that were identified
included [3]: the development of large-scale bioenergy plantations that can supply
sustainable amounts of low-cost biomass feedstocks; the risks involved in
designing, building and operating large integrated biomass conversion systems
capable of producing bioenergy and biofuels at competitive prices with fossil
fuels; and the development of nationwide biomass-to-bioenergy distribution
systems that readily allow for consumer access and ease of use. However, without
the use of integrated biomass conversion systems, bioenergy and biofuels
from biomass will be limited to niche markets for a number of years until the
depletion of fossil fuels becomes a concrete short-term reality [3].
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