Understanding Bioenergy Resources

Biomass is the most important renewable energy source used in the world today. It is used mostly in solid form and, to a lesser extent, in the form of liquid fuels and gas. Despite many factors favoring bioenergy, the utilization of bioenergy has increased at only a modest rate in modern times. Large scale utilization of biomass for energy is still limited to a few countries. In the United States, the forest products industry is probably the largest user of forest biomass, using it to generate more than 70% of its energy needs. Climate change, forest health, wildfires, rural development, and energy security are problems facing the United States today. The increased utilization of forest biomass can help solve these problems. Energy, economic, and environmental benefits can be derived from the use of biomass for bioenergy and bio-based products.

Residues

This section of the Bioenergy Encyclopedia is designed to help the reader understand bioenergy resources both from a global perspective and then from a United States national perspective. Another section explains the Southern Bioenergy Resource.

• Global Utilization of Forest Biomass
• Current Status of Biomass in the US
• Environmental Benefits of Biomass
• Economic Benefits of Biomass
• Energy Benefits of Biomass
• Promoting Bioenergy