No document available.
Abstract :
[en] Biomass currently accounts for 59% of renewable energy supply within the EU-27. In Belgium, this figure stands at 60%, representing 6% of the country’s total energy supply. This situation aligns with international statistics, with wood and certain agricultural products (including dedicated energy crops) being by far the most exploited renewable materials (73%) for bioenergy production, primarily aimed at the industrial sector (power supply) or electricity generation (which is fed into the grid for domestic use).
While these figures may appear promising in the context of energy and environmental transition goals, it is important to note that biomass—especially lignocellulosic biomass—suffers from very low energy efficiency. Significant energy losses, reflected by the EROI (Energy Return on Investment), are reported in many biomass conversion pathways into usable energy forms, including biofuels. Additionally, there are problematic traditional uses, particularly in rural areas (such as direct combustion for domestic heating).
This presentation will provide an overview of alternative uses of biomass for energy applications. It will cover frontline direct-use options (TRL9), as well as second-line direct-use options, including liquid fuels and gaseous vectors (TRL6-8). Indirect conversion options (TRL1-4), such as the use of certain biomass components in batteries or photovoltaic panels, will also be discussed.
The lecture will conclude with three case studies:
1) The production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and its anticipated drawbacks, notably the failure to meet expected volume targets;
2) The development of energy communities in rural areas of developing or emerging countries through better valorization of local biomass resources (which are typically burned in the fields or used for cooking and heating);
3) The use of lignin for its energy storage performance in mobile or stationary batteries.
