ABSTRACT
In recent times, due to an unprecedented growth of population and exhaustive consumption of fossil fuel reserves, development of replenishable sources of energy has become imperative in order to cater to the increasing energy demands. Understanding and resolving the grave problems of global warming, depleting natural resources, environmental pollution, and climate crisis are the absolute concerns of the present times. The abundantly available and under-utilized biomass has an immense potential to offer social, economic, and sustainable benefits since it is a suitable alternative for production, conversion, and storage of energy. The lignocellulosic biomass, comprising naturally occurring carbohydrate polymers, is an excellent source of clean energy which is being used for various physical and chemical applications. Production of biochar, biofuels, syngas, etc. using several treatment technologies highlights the immense potential of the replenishable biomass for a sustainable energy generation. Biomass-derived materials are also being employed for contaminant remediation, production of fuel cells and batteries, carbon sequestration, etc. Harnessing the potential of biomass-derived materials can help us tackle the alarming energy security issues prevailing globally. This chapter highlights the pertinence of biomass-derived materials in generation, conversion, and storage of energy, focusing on sustainable development of our planet and making it energy-secure.
