Biomass: Solar Energy Through Biology — Fuels Now and in the Future

Publisher Summary The oil/energy problem has had three clear effects on biomass energy use and development. Firstly, in developing countries there has been an accelerating use of biomass as oil products have become too expensive and/or unavailable. Secondly, in a number of developed countries large research and development programmes have been instituted which have sought to establish the potential and costs of energy from biomass. Estimated current expenditure is approaching 100 million dollars per annum in North America and Europe. Thirdly, in at least one country, viz., Brazil, large-scale biomass energy schemes are being implemented as rapidly as possible - the current investment is over half-billion dollars per annum. Biomass can provide a source of energy now and in the future; just how much it can contribute to the overall provision of energy will very much depend on existing local and national circumstances and thus it is imperative that each country establish its energy use patterns and the potential of biomass energy. Photosynthesis is the key process in the living world and will continue to be so for the continuation of life as we know it. The development of photobiological energy conversion systems has long-term implications.