ABSTRACT
Forest biomass, derived by burning processed forest residues, is primarily a potential source of renewable energy. This form of wood waste serves as the basic raw material for producing biofuels and biomaterials by thermochemical and biochemical processing. In addition, forest biomass residues are used for producing charcoal for energy or as biochar for the reclamation and enhancement of carbon retention in soils. This chapter discusses the methods and perspectives of using forest residues in various areas of economy, as well as their impact on the environment and society. In the last 20 years, the total global production of wood biomass in the form of forest residues, low-quality wood of indeterminate dimensions, and wood chips has increased by nearly 56% from approximately 325.8 million m3 to over 507.8 million m3. However, in light of ongoing climatic, demographic, and social changes, its use should be approached with great caution, all the more so because the heterogeneous composition and diverse physical and chemical properties of forest biomass require extensive research to develop high-quality and economically viable biofuels and biomaterials.
