Biomass energy priority for developing nations

Abstract

All countries have unused biomass resources. Some are wastes with costs for disposal, but others are cultivated and collected. Because arable lands are not abundant and vary greatly in fertility, access to water, harvesting cost, and transportation costs, the decisions about what biomass to collect and how to use it must be wise. It is naive to view biomass as the panacea for the coming energy crisis because there is not enough in practical locations and the costs involved in retrieving and refining it will be relatively high. Major thrusts for commercialization of biomass refining are imminent, and fuel ethanol, despite its enormous potential, market may not be the most profitable product. Comparison of some developing countries shows wide differences in their problems and potential solutions.