Replacing fossil fuels with biomass in the production of energy carriers, materials and specialty chemicals is a challenge that now confronts humanity. Numerous questions demand an answer: in which applications we shall use the limited biomass resource; how the raw materials are best refined; if biorefineries can be integrated in existing industries; and what policy instruments are required to realise the biorefineries of the future.
There is not one final answer to questions like these. However, different systems studies can provide us with complementary pieces of the puzzle. These can be valuable by themselves, or be brought together into a larger and more complex picture. Systems Perspectives on Biorefineries 2014 contains twelve chapters that address different topics related to the immensely important issue of how the world’s biomass resources can, or should, be converted into the goods we need and desire.
Systems Perspectives on Biorefineries is an evolving ebook with annual updates. You may also want to read Systems perspectives on Renewable Power and Systems Perspectives on Electromobility. Also a shorter Swedish version of this book called Perspektiv på förädling av bioråvara is available on our Swedish website.
Contents: System Perspectives on Biorefineries
1. Assessing biorefineries
2. What is a biorefinery?
3. Market potential of biorefinery products
4. How much biomass is available?
5. Socio-economic consequences of increased biomass demand
6. Opportunities for biorefineries in the pulping industry
Maryam Mahmoudkhani, Heat and Power Technology, Chalmers
7. Perspectives on the potential for CCS in the European pulp and paper industry
8. Optimal location of biorefineries
9. What is the efficiency of a biorefinery?
Stefan Heyne, Heat and Power Technology, Chalmers
10. How much can biofuels reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
11. The value of excess heat – profitability and CO2 balances
12. Policy challenges in realising biomass gasification in the European Union