Perspectives on Bioenergy and Biofuels - Sustainable Biotechnology: Sources of Renewable Energy - page 179

Perspectives on Bioenergy and Biofuels

Elinor L. Scott, A. Maarten J. Kootstra, and Johan P.M. Sanders

Abstract Alternative and renewable sources of energy have received much atten-
tion and there are a number of approaches: wind, hydro, solar nuclear and the use
of biomass. Here discussion will focus on the use of biomass, however there are a
number of alternative methods in applying this as a source of “energy”. For example
incineration (to generate heat and electricity), production of biodiesel and biomass
to liquids (BTL) by chemical and thermal based processes respectively and the pro-
duction of bioethanol and biogas using biotechnology. However the use of biomass
for non-food applications raises a number of important issues which need to be con-
sidered for any conversion process such as: food production and price increases,
destruction of the rainforest and greenhouse gases. Strategies which circumvent
these should be explored and one potential route is the use of waste lignocellulose
biomass (derived from primary agricultural practice) and its application for energy
and fuels.

Keywords Lignocellulose · Bioethanol · Bioenergy

1 Introduction

Sustained global demand for fossil materials continues. In light of environmental
concern, as well as unease over fluctuating prices due to supply and global events,
the search for sustainable alternatives are being explored. Use of fossil resources for
heat and electricity (industrial, commercial and residential), transportation fuels and
chemical raw materials represent the major areas of use. Using European figures as
a guideline, ca. 25% of all oil is used in the transportation sector [1]. Governmental
and environmental bodies are currently setting targets for the reduction of CO 2
production and use of fossil raw materials, thus contributing to the replacement