The Conversion of Biowaste and Residue to Biofuel: From History, Physics Principles, to the Current Status of Technology, Mitigation of Environmental Impact and Economic Challenges

Abstract

As the most commonly-used renewable energy in the world energy consumption, the potential and popularity of biomass energy is significantly underestimated. In the United States in 2018, renewable energy accounted for 11% of the national energy consumption, with 44.5% contributed by biomass energy. This article will focus on one feedstock, bio-waste and residue, in biomass resources. Furthermore, this journal will include an overview of the history of the technique, explanation of the fundamental physical principles, along with the discussions regarding major technology implementation of the conversion technique, and finally end with an evaluation of the environmental impacts and economic opportunities and challenges. At the end of the journal, we will show that the development of bio-waste and residue conversion techniques will naturally benefit from biomass carbon cycle and the variety of techniques available. Moreover, it has a large potential no matter environmentally or economically, along with technological advancement and the development of government regulations to minimize its harm.