Biomass to Fuel and Chemicals: Enabling Technologies

Abstract

Circular bioeconomy aims at strengthening the resource efficiency by recycling materials that substitute fossil by the carbon present in biomass to obtain sustainable neutral energy as well as chemical sources. The concept of utilization of biomass as a source of renewable energy and other commercially important products is very much overlapping with the concept of circular economy and this intersection of circular economy and bioeconomy can be termed as circular bioeconomy. These biomass resources can be classified into agricultural residue, forest biomass, energy crops, algal biomass, and urban waste. Their conversion to biofuels and chemicals can be accomplished through different thermochemical, physiological, and biological pathways. While thermochemical processes involve the application of high temperature, physicochemical and biological processes employ chemicals and microorganisms, respectively, to obtain value-added products. The bioproducts produced are classified into four generations depending based on the source. The most commonly derived biofuels and chemicals are syngas, bioethanol, bio-oil, hydrogen, etc. However, the cost related to the biomass collection, segregation, transportation, and storage is still a concern. But, with reform in the biomass management system and forming laws encouraging the re-utilization of generated waste, the concept of circular bioeconomy can be implemented to address the issues of climate change, environmental pollution, and fossil fuel depletion. Comparative evaluation of large-scale projects is necessary to identify the best available technology for biofuel production. Furthermore, the existing sustainability issues of the biomass supply chain should be addressed to ensure all-year-round delivery of feedstock to the conversion facility. A robust business model would attract investors and accelerate the commercialization of biomass-derived biofuel. � 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.