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Can biomass be a sustainable solution for meeting global energy demands, and if so, under what conditions? 

Biodiesel
Biodiesel production
Biomass (ecology)
Food chain
Biomass
Best insight from top research papers

Biomass can indeed serve as a sustainable solution for meeting global energy demands under specific conditions. It is a renewable energy source derived from organic matter like crops, wood, and waste materials, offering advantages such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating global warming . Biofuels, including biodiesel, bioethanol, and biogas, are key products of biomass, providing eco-friendly alternatives to fossil fuels . However, challenges like logistics, technology, financing, and regulation hinder its widespread adoption . To enhance biomass production sustainability, innovative approaches like utilizing microbe-to-plant signal compounds for plant growth promotion are being explored . By selecting appropriate biomass feedstocks that do not compete with the food chain and implementing biorefinery concepts for higher value product streams, biomass can significantly contribute to a sustainable bioeconomy .

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Papers (5)Insight
Book Chapter•DOI
Biomass and Sustainability
Valentin I. Popa
21 Mar 2021
2 Citations
Biomass can be a sustainable solution for global energy demands if sourced ethically without competing with the food chain, utilizing food-related materials, and implementing biorefinery concepts for increased efficiency and sustainability.
Journal Article•DOI
Biomass for a sustainable bioeconomy: An overview of world biomass production and utilization
Mohammed Antar, Dongmei Lyu, Mahtab Nazari, Ateeq Shah, Xiaomin Zhou, Donald L. Smith 
01 Apr 2021-Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews
217 Citations
Biomass can be a sustainable solution for global energy demands by enhancing production methods, utilizing green technologies, and promoting microbe-to-plant signal compounds for growth under stress conditions.
Book Chapter•DOI
Biomass Utilization for Biodiesel Production: A Sustainable Technique to Meet Global Fuel Demands and Future Scope
01 Jan 2022
Yes, biomass is a sustainable solution for meeting global energy demands. It can be utilized for biodiesel production from various sources like waste cooking oil, plant residues, and algal biomass.
Journal Article•DOI
Recent Development of Biomass Energy as a Sustainable Energy Source to Mitigate Environmental Change
Hamida Sivac
01 Jan 2023-Energy, Environment, and Sustainability
Biomass can be a sustainable solution for global energy demands by reducing reliance on fossil fuels, mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, and providing ecosystem services, with careful environmental management practices.
Open access•Book Chapter•DOI
Sustainable solutions for clean energy production
26 May 2023
Biomass can be a sustainable solution for global energy demands due to its renewable nature, low cost, and reduced pollution, especially when sourced from agricultural and forestry waste.

Related Questions

How biomass energy impact the united nations sustainable development goals 7, 8 and 11?5 answersBiomass energy plays a significant role in impacting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7, 8, and 11. It contributes to sustainable development by influencing various aspects such as carbon dioxide emissions, economic development, and urbanization. Biomass energy consumption affects ecological footprint and emissions differently, with income levels and urban sprawl also playing crucial roles. Additionally, the availability and distribution of biomass for bioenergetic uses have implications for sustainable development, especially in terms of food security and basic human needs satisfaction. Implementing community-based bioenergy projects, like anaerobic digestion facilities, can positively impact rural communities by saving time, improving education, and enhancing overall quality of life. However, it is essential to consider potential environmental issues associated with biomass energy production, such as soil erosion and greenhouse gas emissions, and implement protective measures.
Why is biomass conversion needed?4 answersBiomass conversion is needed due to increasing oil prices, energy security concerns, and rising greenhouse gas concentrations. The world's energy demands heavily rely on fossil fuels, which are depleting and contribute to pollution. Biomass resources, such as agricultural waste, animal manure, and aquatic biomass, offer a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Biomass utilization technologies, including chemical, thermal, and biological processes, can efficiently produce high-grade energy sources. Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) is a promising technology that converts wet biomass into biocrude oils and valuable biochemicals. Biomass represents a renewable resource with vast abundance and can be processed into fuels and high-value chemicals. The purification and upgrading of biomass-derived products into higher-value products are also important aspects of biomass conversion. Overall, biomass conversion is essential for addressing the energy crisis, reducing environmental hazards, and promoting sustainable energy development.
How does biomass contribute to achieving sustainable development goals?5 answersBiomass contributes to achieving sustainable development goals by providing a renewable and eco-friendly source of energy that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change. It can be used in various biomass-based thermochemical conversion technologies to generate power, heat, and fuels/chemicals, thereby reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and promoting clean energy production. Additionally, biomass, particularly biochar, can improve soil health and act as a nature-based solution for soil amendment and remediation, leading to sustainable agriculture practices. The development of biomass supply chains for bioenergy can also contribute to several sustainable development goals, such as affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industry and infrastructure, responsible production and consumption, zero hunger, clean water and sanitation, and life on land. By utilizing biomass resources efficiently, we can achieve socio-economic and sustainable environmental development while addressing environmental challenges and improving human well-being.
What is biomass?3 answersBiomass refers to all non-fossilized biological materials on Earth, including forest residues, agricultural residues, energy crops, industrial residues, food wastes, municipal wastes, animal residues, and algal residues. It is a versatile renewable energy source that can be used for producing fuels and power, as well as for agricultural and industrial purposes. Biomass supplies almost 10% of the world's energy demand and 35% of developing countries' energy demand. It can be used as the main component in the development of electrochemical supercapacitors, including electrodes, electrolytes, binders, separators, and packaging materials. Biomass is valuable for its biogenic carbon, which enables negative emissions and e-fuel production. The value of biomass for fuel production increases when there is a shortage of renewable electricity or hydrogen. Biomass usage is affected by upstream emissions associated with it. Biomass can be transformed into useful materials through various processes, such as biochar applications in composite reinforcement, additive manufacturing, energy storage, and tissue engineering.
What are the main reasons why biomass is important?5 answersBiomass is important for several reasons. Firstly, it is a renewable energy source that can be used to produce biofuels, chemicals, and value-added products, as well as bioenergy. Secondly, biomass has the potential to mitigate environmental problems caused by toxic heavy metals released into the environment. Biomass, such as bio-char and activated carbon, has shown great potential for absorbing heavy metals in contaminated soil. Additionally, biomass is carbon-neutral and can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, making it an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels. Furthermore, biomass waste can be used to treat or resolve anthropogenic environmental problems, making it a valuable natural remediation material. Overall, biomass plays a crucial role in sustainable development, offering a renewable and cleaner energy source that can contribute to a more balanced and environmentally friendly future.
Is coal a biomass fuel?9 answers

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