Modernizing biomass energy

Biomass accounts for an estimated one-third of all energy used in developing countries today. Most of this biomass is used inefficiently and with significant pollutant emissions by the more than 2 billion people who cook using direct combustion of biomass. Contrasting today’s use of biomass energy, several recent major assessments of future global energy supply show much larger roles for biomass energy by the middle of the 21st century as part of a global strategy for reducing CO2 emissions to the atmosphere. When biomass is grown renewably (i.e., at the same average rate at which it is used for energy), little or no net emissions of CO2 result. Most energy analysts are surprised by visions of such large biomass contributions to energy supply because biomass ranks near the bottom of the list of preferred energy carriers today. However, if biomass can be modernized, i.e. converted cost-competitively into more convenient forms such as gases, liquids,or electricity,then much more significant use of biomass is conceivable. This paper discusses modernizing biomass energy within the context of climate change mitigation. The paper begins by defining modernization, and reviewing its advantages and disadvantages. It then addresses agricultural, environmental, and socioeconomic implications of biomass energy modernization for developing countries.Examples of modernization in the context of electricity production and cooking are provided. Finally, challenges to modernization are noted, along with some suggestions for addressing the challenges.