Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 6
Applications of Lignocellulose Biotechnology
in Bioenergy
Abstract
A shortage of fossil energy is considered a serious problem. Bioenergy,
derived from renewable lignocellulosic resources, has attracted much interest from
governments around the world owing to its desirable features: a secure source
of supply, limited conflict with land use for food and feed production, and low
pollution. Considerable progress has been achieved in bioenergy production, includ-
ing new methods proposed, new processes developed, new projects established,
and so on. However, there are still challenges that need further investigation. The
most controversial problem is technical and economical feasibility. This chapter
introduces the background, status, and development of bioethanol, biohydrogen, and
biogas production and points out problems that exist in relation to them.
Keywords
Bioenergy • Fuel ethanol • Biohydrogen • Biogas fermentation
6.1
Introduction
Along with the twenty-first century came two bottlenecks that are becoming
increasingly serious; one is environment, and the other is a shortage of fossil energy.
In recent years, with the high-level economic growth of China, the demand for
fossil fuels such as petroleum, coal, and natural gas is increasing substantially.
Accordingly, environmental pollution is increasing greatly. Because of the shortage
of petroleum, there is serious pollution from coal utilization coupled with a large
population base and per capita consumption of energy and resources in China
that is far below the world average. To remove the overreliance on traditional
energy sources and reduce environmental pollution, many countries are looking for
alternatives to traditional energy to develop new energy without delay.
Among many kinds of new energy, including solar energy, nuclear energy, wind
energy, hydroenergy, tidal energy, geothermal energy, and biomass energy, biomass
is emerging as a source. It is not only a kind of energy but also a raw material
for making chemical products. Not only can it ease energy and environmental
