ABSTRACT
Biomass is an important energy source for many countries, but its traditional use, involving unsustainable biomass consumption and low conversion efficiencies, has a limited future. Increasing competition among energy companies and energy sources and growing social awareness about environment preservation and sustainable use of natural resources are driving forces for deep changes in the energy sector. In this sense, future prospects for biomass clearly point to modern energy carriers: electricity, liquid and gaseous fuels in substitution to direct use of solid feedstock.
