The time for modern biomass has come. It has long been overshadowed by other, more widely-publicized renewable energy technologies such as wind, solar and hydro, and still retains an outmoded image in comparison to its apparently more attractive cousins. The potential for biomass to act as a store of solar energy, and yet to be converted efficiently when required into heat, power, transport fuels and even substitutes for plastics and petrochemicals, is not widely appreciated. The increasing abundance of well-designed, successful bioenergy projects around the world is creating new interest in this renewable, sustainable and low-emission-producing source of energy. The Brilliance of Bioenergy covers all the main resources and technologies, principles, practice, social and environmental issues as well as the economics involved. The book also presents valuable, practical experiences - both 'how to' and 'how not to' - in the form of case studies of both small and large scale projects in both developed and developing countries. The Brilliance of Bioenergy is for those wishing to learn more about biomass, the technologies and the business potential. It will be welcomed by all involved in biomass production, bioenergy utilization, planning and development, and in renewable energies in general, as well as students, academics and researchers in the subject.

Preface * What is Biomass and What is Bioenergy * The Woody Biomass Resource * The Non-woody Biomass Resource * The Supply Chain: Harvesting, Transport and Processing * Thermochemical Conversion by Combustion and The Steam Cycle * Thermochemical Conversion by Gasification and Pyrolysis * Biochemical Conversion of Wet Biomass * Cogeneration of Combined Heat and Power * Biofuels for Transport from the Biochemical Conversion of Biomass * Small-scale Bioenergy Systems: Present and Future * The Future Potential for Bioenergy and the Barriers * References and Bibliography * Index