Biofuels: a survey

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Abstract
Photosynthesis, plant productivity, waste and residue resources, ''energy farming,'' processes for using biomass directly or converting it to fuels, and overall economics are discussed. Applications by U.S. industries and utilities are emphasized and current U.S. research and development programs presented. With foreseeable technologies and economics, approximately 5% of the fossil fuels now consumed in the United States could presently be replaced by available forestry, agricultural, and municipal wastes and residues. Additional resources could be generated through optimization of agricultural and forestry residue production, use of noncommercial forests, and purposeful cultivation of plants for fuel production. Direct combustion, to produce electricity and/or steam, is the best developed and most widely applicable process for using low-moisture biomass. Biomass could become a supplemental fuel for some coal-fired power plants. The conversion of biomass to gaseous and liquid fuels by thermal or biological processes is technically feasible; however, the economics must be improved for widespread applications. Biofuels will be most widely used by current biomass producers (agriculture and forestry) and by small to medium-sized industries and towns located near available resources. The multiplicity of biomass resources and biofuel applications suggests that no single end use will predominate.

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