Chapter 1 - Introduction

Abstract

Considerate exploitation of the available natural resources is a key issue in the sustainable supply of energy in terms of heat, power, and fuels. In this context, the utilization of renewable energy sources is a major contribution. Moreover, global warming and climate change concerns are resulting in efforts to reduce CO2 greenhouse gas emissions by increasing the use of renewable energies and increasing the energy efficiency. Besides solar, wind, and hydro energy, biomass is considered as the main renewable energy source. As a renewable solid fuel it is suitable to replace fossil solid fuels like hard coal and lignite. In a renewable energy mixture with fluctuating availability of solar and wind energy, biomass can be exploited as a storable and adjustable energy source that will be used in increased amounts when wind and solar energy supply is low. Therefore, several developed as well as developing countries all over the world have set targets for the share of biomass to the national energy supply and have introduced policies to promote the increasing use of biomass as an energy source.