ABSTRACT
This chapter examines biomass energy and its role in the transition to sustainable energy systems, including its integration with e-fuels as emerging solutions for decarbonization. Biomass is characterized as a renewable energy source derived from organic materials, such as dedicated energy crops and residual biomass from urban, industrial, agricultural, and forestry activities. The chapter highlights the dual potential of biomass for sustainable energy production and carbon management, particularly through carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technologies.
Key conversion technologies for transforming biomass into energy carriers and fuels are explored, encompassing thermochemical processes (combustion, pyrolysis, and gasification) and biochemical methods (anaerobic digestion and fermentation). e-Fuels, or electrofuels, are introduced as synthetic fuels created by combining hydrogen from electrolysis with carbon sources, such as biomass-derived CO₂ or CO. These fuels present promising applications in hard-to-abate sectors like aviation and shipping, where direct electrification remains challenging.
The chapter also addresses the lifecycle emissions of biomass and e-fuels, emphasizing the need for optimized supply chains and production processes to maximize environmental benefits. Challenges, including land-use competition, transport emissions, and pollutant management, are discussed. By integrating biomass with e-fuels and CCS, this chapter underscores the potential for these technologies to deliver sustainable, net-negative carbon solutions, positioning them as critical components in achieving global decarbonization targets.
