ABSTRACT
The overuse and undersupply of biomass is currently a serious problem and potentially a greater long-term danger than lack of food. Today 14% of the world’s primary energy is derived from biomass — equivalent to 20 million barrels of oil per day. Its predominant use is in the rural areas of developing countries where half the world’s population lives, e.g., Nepal derives nearly 100%; Kenya, 75%; India, 50%; China, 33%; Brazil, 25%; and Egypt and Morocco 20% of their total energy from biomass. A number of developed countries also derive a considerable amount of energy from biomass: Sweden, 9%; Canada, 7%; and the U.S. and Australia 3% each. A number of European-wide studies have shown that about 5 to 10% of Europe’s energy requirements could be met from biomass by the end of the 20th century. An especially valuable contribution could be in the form of liquid fuels which have become prone to fluctuating price and supply. The resources available, the effect of large agricultural surpluses (especially in North America and Europe), and the factors which will influence biomass energy schemes around the world are issues which, at present, are hotly debated.
