Search

Cell death plays an important role in the determination of secondary xylem cell functions. Tracheary elements (TEs), such as vessel elements and tracheids, lose their organelles due to rapid autolysis after the completion of secondary wall thickening and lignification, and play an important role in water movement along the stem. In contrast, xylem axial and ray parenchyma cells (xylem parenchyma cells) remain alive for several years or longer and retain their organelles even after maturation. As a result, xylem parenchyma cells play important roles in nutrient storage, axial and radial transportation of materials, and defense responses in the stem. In addition, they are involved in the formation of heartwood, which contributes to increases in the resistance of the tree trunk to decay, as they synthesize heartwood components such as polyphenols prior to their death. The present review focuses on changes in long-lived ray parenchyma cells during heartwood formation, such as morphology and contents of organelles, gene expression, and survival rate in sapwood. This review also summarizes the differences in cell death characteristics between TEs and ray parenchyma cells. The elucidation of the cell death mechanism of ray parenchyma cells is expected to provide useful information for controlling the properties of heartwood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to most energy demand forecasts, woody biomass has the potential to become an important source of renewable energy, especially during the transitional period of energy transition. The aim of this article was to estimate the energy potential of the biomass from the forest and the biomass generated by the mechanical processing of wood raw material and also to show the spectrum of possibilities for the potential use of the biomass for energy production in Poland. This research used available statistical and literature data on the species structure of harvested wood and the qualitative and assortment structures of woody biomass. The basic parameters of the raw material were evaluated in accordance with the EU classification of energy wood. This study confirmed the relationship between the energy potential of woody biomass and energy demand in Poland. The correlation coefficient for these variables was r = 0.984. This correlation was reflected in the significant shares of biomass in the production of electricity (more than 9%) or heat (almost 14%). Energy wood resources in Poland are smaller than in other European Union countries, which affects the scale of the potential use of woody biomass for energy purposes. Nevertheless, the use of such a biomass is fully justified from the point of view of possible development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the possibilities of energy management of residues from the production of ‘Regent’ grapevines. Field tests were conducted under conditions of temperate climate in 2022 on six types of rootstocks viz: 101-14, 125 AA, 161-49, 5 BB, SO4, SORI, the control were ungrafted vines growing on their own roots. The study analysed the following crop parameters, i.e. number and mass of grapes, number and mass of berries; quality parameters of woody shoots. Technical and elemental analysis was performed, and the heat of combustion and calorific value were determined to define fuel quality parameters. In addition, emission factors of CO, CO2, SO2, NOx and ash were estimated to demonstrate the degree of impact of potential bio-residue from the combustion process. An assessment was made on the basis of stoichiometric equations of flue gas composition, as well as theoretical oxygen demand and total fuel gas volume. The study showed that cultivation on 125 AA rootstock is characterised by obtaining significantly the highest yield, shoot mass and bio-residues suitability for energy purposes. The research showed that the most effective in practical cultivation is the use of SORI and SO4 rootstocks in cultivation, which are characterised by average parameters of obtained yield, growth value and fuel.

Abstract Cell death plays an important role in the determination of secondary xylem cell functions. Tracheary elements (TEs), such as vessel elements and tracheids, lose their organelles due to rapid autolysis after the completion of secondary wall thickening and lignification, and play an important role in water movement along the stem. In contrast, xylem axial and ray parenchyma cells (xylem parenchyma cells) remain alive for several years or longer and retain their organelles even after maturation. As a result, xylem parenchyma cells play important roles in nutrient storage, axial and radial transportation of materials, and defense responses in the stem. In addition, they are involved in the formation of heartwood, which contributes to increases in the resistance of the tree trunk to decay, as they synthesize heartwood components such as polyphenols prior to their death. The present review focuses on changes in long-lived ray parenchyma cells during heartwood formation, such as morphology and contents of organelles, gene expression, and survival rate in sapwood. This review also summarizes the differences in cell death characteristics between TEs and ray parenchyma cells. The elucidation of the cell death mechanism of ray parenchyma cells is expected to provide useful information for controlling the properties of heartwood.

In this study, an innovative woody biomass‐fueled hybrid tetrageneration system composed of a single‐effect lithium bromide‐water absorption refrigeration system, a reverse osmosis desalination system, two organic Rankine cycle for the production of cooling, heating, power, and freshwater in two distinct configurations (configurations A and B), compared and discussed using energy, exergy, economic, and exergoeconomic analyses. The poplar sawdust used as a local woody biomass fuel was a by‐product of the Iran Wood and Paper Industries Company, located in northern Iran. The results revealed that the highest heating production and lowest exergy destruction were related to configuration B. The overall cost of configuration A was higher than that of configuration B. A detailed sensitivity analysis was also developed to study the effect of various factors on the thermodynamic and economic performance of the proposed configurations. By increasing the turbine inlet temperature of ORC1 from 625 to 692 K, the total sum unit costs of product of the system in configurations A and B decreased by 20 and 23 $ GJ−1, respectively (about 21%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Results of a kinetic study of the pyrolysis of woody biomass (Quercus robur) under conditions of continuous heating to a temperature of 873 K at a constant rate of 1.25, 2.5, 5, and 10 K/min have been discussed. An integral method has been used to describe the reaction mechanism and determine the macrokinetic parameters. It has been found that, from a phenomenological point of view, the averaged woody biomass pyrolysis reaction under test conditions corresponds to a three-dimensional diffusion model (1.25 K/min), a model described by the third-order reaction equation (2.5, 5 K/min), and a one-dimensional diffusion model (10 K/min). In this case, the relative standard deviation of the conversion values calculated using this equation from the test data is <11.2%. The division of the averaged reaction into three stages (first stage is completed at a temperature of 390 K; the second, at 579 K; the third, at the completion of the conversion process) leads to agreement between the calculated degree of degradation of the studied biomass samples and the test values in a range of the degree of degradation of 0–1. Although the relative standard deviation does not exceed 3.5%, the division of the averaged reaction into stages does not exclude discrepancies in the values of the determined macrokinetic parameters. It has been shown that the choice of the model that provides the best description of the wood conversion process depends on heating rate during the tests. Owing to this dependence, the macrokinetic parameter values significantly differ from each other. Taking this fact into account, it can be concluded that the selected models and calculated macrokinetic parameters are of a formal nature and cannot be thought of as physicochemical characteristics that are universal with respect to the subject of research. Discrepancies in calculations of macrokinetic parameters that are caused by the effect of heating rate can be eliminated by studying the kinetics of conversion under isothermal conditions (at a constant temperature). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the possibilities of energy management of residues from the production of 'Regent' grapevines. Field tests were conducted under conditions of temperate climate in 2022 on six types of rootstocks viz: 101-14, 125 AA, 161-49, 5 BB, SO4, SORI, the control were ungrafted vines growing on their own roots. The study analysed the following crop parameters, i.e. number and mass of grapes, number and mass of berries; quality parameters of woody shoots. Technical and elemental analysis was performed, and the heat of combustion and calorific value were determined to define fuel quality parameters. In addition, emission factors of CO, CO2, SO2, NOx and ash were estimated to demonstrate the degree of impact of potential bio-residue from the combustion process. An assessment was made on the basis of stoichiometric equations of flue gas composition, as well as theoretical oxygen demand and total fuel gas volume. The study showed that cultivation on 125 AA rootstock is characterised by obtaining significantly the highest yield, shoot mass and bio-residues suitability for energy purposes. The research showed that the most effective in practical cultivation is the use of SORI and SO4 rootstocks in cultivation, which are characterised by average parameters of obtained yield, growth value and fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Woody biomass energy has exponentially grown in the last decade as a renewable energy alternative to fossil fuels. The growing trend of burning trees amid global climate crisis suggests that the wood pellet industry has been grossly successful in positioning itself as a sustainability leader. What communicative frames and strategies has the industry harnessed to communicate sustainability? What do the frames and strategies leave out? To explore those questions, this paper examines the woody biomass industry's construction of sustainability by focusing on the case of the world's largest wood pellet company, Enviva. Following ecolinguistics and framing theory, the first part of the paper examines the company's website and social media presence to unpack the frames that Enviva engages to communicate its sustainability. Then, the paper turns to the spheres of life that the company omits from its framing but are crucial to the conceptualization of sustainability from an ecojustice perspective. The paper concludes with a call for ecojustice as the framework for evaluating sustainability of life on land. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive forest resources make the Northeastern United States a promising source of woody biomass. Managing overstocked stands, common to the region, has been a major challenge due to a significant proportion of the harvest being low-value products. There are also various socio-economic and ecological factors that constrain the harvest decision. The objectives of the study were to compare and identify the key components, circumstances, and constraints related to the harvesting of small-diameter trees (SDT), regionally; to test if the responses varied between different job and experience categories; and to understand the perspectives of foresters and loggers to improve the current constraints. An online survey with 270 inputs from foresters and loggers in the Northeastern United States showed that, on average, 24% of the total harvest residue comprised small-diameter trees. The strongest agreement was on utilizing woody biomass for bioenergy and institutional heat energy. The primary reason for harvesting woody biomass was to satisfy the landowner's objectives and for maintaining aesthetic value. The major constraints in woody biomass harvesting were the lack of markets and higher trucking distance. Respondent recommendations strongly emphasized the need for new and improved markets, infrastructure, and increased support from government. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Woody biomass has gained increased attention as a source of renewable energy. However, its categorization as a sustainable source of energy remains controversial, as its carbon neutrality depends on its end use, moisture content, bulk density, and the distance between the source of biomass and its end use. Due to these mediating factors, policies largely shape its sustainability and ability to mitigate emissions. This paper organizes and evaluates the current state of research through a systematic review of global literature from 2011 to 2021 (n = 345) on the governance of the production, transportation, sale, and use of woody biomass for energy. Peer-reviewed literature emphasizes the role of woody biomass as a decentralized energy source for individual households and communities, focusing on its harvest, transport, and localized energy conversion. Policies primarily address land management and energy infrastructure rather than direct emissions reduction. Research gaps in policy within the Global South underscore the need to examine biomass regulation in regions with limited energy diversity. The key factors that drive the sustainable uptake of woody biomass include strict sustainability criteria, fiscal incentives, technological development, and wood utilization from across its value chain. Effective policy implementation increases rural employment, boosts rural economies, provides energy security to remote areas, improves overall environmental sustainability, reduces emissions, and improves land management practices. Our systematic review reveals that future research should focus on improving conversion efficiencies in small-scale systems, reducing emissions in the international trade of woody biomass, and using the wood value chain to increase the profitability of bioenergy products.

The co-pyrolysis of biomass and fossil fuels has been the subject of studies on sustainable energy. Co-feeding oil shale with woody biomass can contribute to a transition into carbon neutrality. The present study analysed the thermal decomposition behaviour of oil shale and biomass blends (0:1, 3:7, 1:1, 7:3, 9:1, and 1:0) through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) at 80–630 °C with a heating rate of 10 °C/min in CO2 and N2 atmospheres. A comparison of theoretical and experimental residual mass yields of oil shale–biomass mixtures indicated no significant interactions between the fuels. The blends contributed to a decrease of up to 34.4 wt% in solid residues compared to individual pyrolysis of oil shale, and the TGA curves were shifted from up to 10 °C to a lower temperature when the biomass ratio increased. The use of a CO2 atmosphere resulted in the production of solid residues, comparable to the one obtained with the N2 atmosphere. CO2 atmosphere can be used in oil shale–biomass co-pyrolysis, without affecting the decomposition process or increasing the yield of residues. A kinetic model method is proposed based on TGA data at 10, 20, and 30 °C/min. The apparent activation energies for a temperature range of 200–520 °C were in the order of 139, 155, 164, 197, 154, and 167 kJ/mol for oil shale–biomass 0:1, 3:7, 1:1, 7:3, 9:1, and 1:0 blends, respectively. From the isoconversional kinetic analysis, a two-stage pyrolysis was observed, which separated biomass and oil shale pyrolysis. A simulation of biomass and oil shale co-pyrolysis was conducted in Aspen Plus® using TGA-derived kinetic data. The model prediction resulted in a close match with the experimental thermogravimetric data with absolute errors from 1.75 to 3.78%, which highlights the relevance of TGA analysis in simulating co-pyrolysis processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In transitioning to a carbon‐neutral chemical industry, the intake of fossil feedstocks will have to be reduced by maximizing end‐of‐life product recycling and introducing alternative feedstocks based on renewable carbon. This perspective article analyses the potential of domestically grown and sourced woody biomass for the supply of renewable carbon for chemicals in Europe. The European chemical industry can become a major consumer of woody biomass in a context where burning wood for energy production is viewed as an unsustainable practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After nearly a decade of rapid development, woody biomass has been widely used in Japan for power generation and heating. However, it has faced bottlenecks in recent years, leading to a decline in its popularity. This study aimed to elucidate the current status of woody biomass utilization in Japan by reviewing relevant research papers on upstream resource supply and downstream case studies in the supply chain. The supply potential of woody biomass estimated by reviewed articles ranges from 1.2 to 5.5 m3/year/ha, yet a significant portion of this potential cannot be exploited. The utilization of government subsidies, mechanization, and aggregated forests can substantially enhance the availability. The utilization of woody biomass has garnered widespread attention from the Japanese government and private enterprises, presenting an economic impact ranging from 66 to 249 million JPY/t, along with a GHG emission reduction spanning from −17.29 to 202.44 kg-CO2eq/GJ. However, balancing cost and scale remains the primary challenge facing woody biomass utilization in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest biomass is expected to remain a key part of the national energy portfolio mix, yet residual forest biomass is currently underused. This study aimed to estimate the potential availability of waste woody biomass in the Aizu region and its energy potential for local bioelectricity generation as a sustainable strategy. The results showed that the available quantity of forest residual biomass for energy production was 191,065 tons, with an average of 1.385 t/ha in 2018, of which 72% (146,976 tons) was from logging residue for commercial purposes, and 28% (44,089 tons) was from thinning operations for forest management purposes. Forests within the biomass–collection radius of a local woody power plant can provide 45,925 tons of residual biomass, supplying bioelectricity at 1.6 times the plant's capacity, which could avoid the amount of 65,246 tons of CO2 emission per year by replacing coal-fired power generation. The results highlight the bioelectricity potential and carbon-neutral capacity of residual biomass. This encourages government initiatives or policy inclinations to sustainably boost the production of bioenergy derived from residual biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental Science & Technology (10036504) is the property of Editorial Board of Environmental Science & Technology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Biomass characteristics play an important role in product classification, economic values, and types of usage. This research was initiated by the IEA Bioenergy Technology Collaboration Programme, which aimed to review and identify the top biomass characteristics as they relate to commercially viable biomaterial and bioenergy processes. An online search (in English) was conducted using the following keywords: biomass, chips, quality, characteristics, moisture content, calorific values, contamination and ash content. The search was restricted to woody biomass and raw feedstock materials. Review results were classified based on regions including Africa, America, Asia, Europe and Oceania. Each case study was described based on the study background, type of biomass and biomass attributes that were measured. The key biomass characteristic was moisture content that was consistently measured in almost all reports. Ash content and calorific value were classified as second place in terms of frequency in the biomass studies. Lower frequency belonged to the attributes such as bulk density, contamination, particle shape and nutrient (elemental) content. Detailed information of different case studies is provided in this report. It is anticipated that this literature review will assist IEA Bioenergy and its industrial and scientific network to better understand the current knowledge gaps regarding woody biomass characterisation.

Experimental studies were conducted with forestry mulchers in field protection forest belts and clearings in the North-Eastern region of Bulgaria. Regression models were elaborated to determine the operating performance and fuel consumption of forestry mulchers with a rated power of 70 kW to 245 kW for site preparation of clearings with the amount of wood residues, shoots and bushes from 15 t/ha to 48 t/ha. The mode of influence of the mulcher rotor speed , the concentration of comminuted biomass and the mulching unit power on the performance and fuel consumption were established. When treating clearings with small biomass concentration of 15 t/ha, the productivity of the mulching units with a greater power of 245 kW is 0.392 ha/h, and of those with a smaller power of 70 kW it is 0.086 ha/h. This difference is even greater in clearings with a biomass concentration of 48 t/ha, where the operating productivity of 245 kW mulchers is 0.304 ha/h and that of 70 kW mulchers is 0.021 ha/h. Mulching units with greater power also have a lower relative fuel consumption per unit area. This fact is more pronounced in clearings with a larger amount of wood residues of 48 t/ha, where the fuel consumption of bigger units with a power of 245 kW is 155 l/ha, of units with a medium power of 160 kW it is 217 l /ha, and of units with a smaller power of 70 kW it is 335 l/ha. For treating clearings with relatively less wood residues and shrubs of 15 t/ha, depending on the rated power of mulching units, these fuel costs are respectively 86 l/ha, 122 l/ha and 214 l/ha. The optimal power and rotor revolutions of forestry mulchers when processing cuttings with different concentrations of woody biomass were determined.

Hydrogen as a clean energy carrier has attracted great interests world-wide for substitution of fossil fuels and for abatement of the climate change concerns. However, green hydrogen from renewable resources is less than 0.1% at present in the world hydrogen production and this is largely from water electrolysis which is beneficial only when renewable electricity is used. Hydrogen production from diverse renewable resources is desirable. This review presents recent advances in hydrogen production from woody biomass through biomass steam gasification, producer gas processing and H2/CO2 separation. The producer gas processing includes steam-methane reforming (SMR) and water-gas shift (WGS) reactions to convert CH4 and CO in the producer gas to H2 and CO2. The H2 storage discussed using liquid carrier through hydrogenation is also discussed. The CO2 capture prior to the SMR is investigated to enhance H2 yield in the SMR and the WGS reactions.

BackgroundLignocellulosic resources are promising feedstocks for the manufacture of bio-based products and bioenergy. However, the inherent recalcitrance of biomass to conversion into simple sugars currently hinders the deployment of advanced bioproducts at large scale. Lignin is a primary contributor to biomass recalcitrance as it protects cell wall polysaccharides from degradation and can inhibit hydrolytic enzymes via non-productive adsorption. Several engineering strategies have been designed to reduce lignin or modify its monomeric composition. For example, expression of bacterial 3-dehydroshikimate dehydratase (QsuB) in poplar trees resulted in a reduction in lignin due to redirection of metabolic flux toward 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate at the expense of lignin. This reduction was accompanied with remarkable changes in the pools of aromatic compounds that accumulate in the biomass.ResultsThe impact of these modifications on downstream biomass deconstruction and conversion into advanced bioproducts was evaluated in the current study. Using ionic liquid pretreatment followed by enzymatic saccharification, biomass from engineered trees released more glucose and xylose compared to wild-type control trees under optimum conditions. Fermentation of the resulting hydrolysates using Rhodosporidium toruloides strains engineered to produce α-bisabolene, epi-isozizaene, and fatty alcohols showed no negative impact on cell growth and yielded higher titers of bioproducts (as much as + 58%) in the case of QsuB transgenics trees.ConclusionOur data show that low-recalcitrant poplar biomass obtained with the QsuB technology has the potential to improve the production of advanced bioproducts.

According to most energy demand forecasts, woody biomass has the potential to become an important source of renewable energy, especially during the transitional period of energy transition. The aim of this article was to estimate the energy potential of the biomass from the forest and the biomass generated by the mechanical processing of wood raw material and also to show the spectrum of possibilities for the potential use of the biomass for energy production in Poland. This research used available statistical and literature data on the species structure of harvested wood and the qualitative and assortment structures of woody biomass. The basic parameters of the raw material were evaluated in accordance with the EU classification of energy wood. This study confirmed the relationship between the energy potential of woody biomass and energy demand in Poland. The correlation coefficient for these variables was r = 0.984. This correlation was reflected in the significant shares of biomass in the production of electricity (more than 9%) or heat (almost 14%). Energy wood resources in Poland are smaller than in other European Union countries, which affects the scale of the potential use of woody biomass for energy purposes. Nevertheless, the use of such a biomass is fully justified from the point of view of possible development.

Abstract Supercritical methanol is a tool for decomposing woody biomass and dissolving the products under relatively mild conditions. Thus, the use of supercritical methanol—in combination with catalytic hydrogenolysis—in industrial production of biochemicals has been widely studied. However, the contribution of specific methanol properties to wood decomposition remains unclear. In this study, the effect of the pressure on the decomposition of Japanese cedar in supercritical methanol was investigated in a semi-flow reactor. Delignification progressed better at higher pressure, attributable to the ability of methanol to dissolve high molecular weight, lignin-derived oligomers at high pressure. This solubility was strongly correlated with the methanol density. Methanol pressure also affected the product yields, with higher pressure resulting in higher coniferyl alcohol and sugar yields. This is attributable to the fact that the higher pressure facilitated rapid dissolution of the decomposition products and recovery from cell walls, protecting the products from further degradation. The findings of this study will contribute to the establishment of supercritical methanol in industrial production of biochemicals.

This study aims to identify an equation for predicting the calorific value for heat-treated biomass using structural analysis. Different models were constructed using 129 samples of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, and calorific values obtained from previous studies. These models were validated using 41 additional datasets, and an optimal model was identified using its results and following performance metrics: the coefficient of determination (R2), mean absolute error (MAE), root-mean-squared error (RMSE), average absolute error (AAE), and average bias error (ABE). Finally, the model was verified using 25 additional data points. For the overall dataset, R2 was ~0.52, and the RMSE range was 1.46–1.77. For woody biomass, the R2 range was 0.78–0.83, and the RMSE range was 0.9626–1.2810. For herbaceous biomass, the R2 range was 0.5251–0.6001, and the RMSE range was 1.1822–1.3957. The validation results showed similar or slightly poorer performances. The optimal model was then tested using the test data. For overall biomass and woody biomass, the performance metrics of the obtained model were superior to those in previous studies, whereas for herbaceous biomass, lower performance metrics were observed. The identified model demonstrated equal or superior performance compared to linear models. Further improvements are required based on a wider range of structural biomass data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen as a clean energy carrier has attracted great interests world-wide for substitution of fossil fuels and for abatement of the climate change concerns. However, green hydrogen from renewable resources is less than 0.1% at present in the world hydrogen production and this is largely from water electrolysis which is beneficial only when renewable electricity is used. Hydrogen production from diverse renewable resources is desirable. This review presents recent advances in hydrogen production from woody biomass through biomass steam gasification, producer gas processing and H2/CO2 separation. The producer gas processing includes steam-methane reforming (SMR) and water-gas shift (WGS) reactions to convert CH4 and CO in the producer gas to H2 and CO2. The H2 storage discussed using liquid carrier through hydrogenation is also discussed. The CO2 capture prior to the SMR is investigated to enhance H2 yield in the SMR and the WGS reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyses the behaviour of cereal straw briquettes in combustion at energy installations equipped with fixed grates for powers below 75 kW, intended for uses in the field of agriculture. A comparison was made with the combustion of sawdust briquettes. A wider involvement of the energy use of cereal straws, which are in large quantities in certain agricultural regimes, is envisaged. The research includes a new production of cereal straw briquettes from the Oltenia area, previous research being carried out with briquettes made in the agricultural area of North-Eastern Moldova. The use of cereal straw for energy purposes, however, collided with the final processes of combustion when the ash becomes adherent to the elements of the combustion plant, so this new approach will contribute to broadening the knowledge about this biofuel that represents a certain future. The work presented experimental combustion tests comparing the two fuels (cereal straw briquettes and wood sawdust respectively) at a 55 kW pilot plant, plant equipped with a fixed grill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is a continuous imperative to establish the most efficient process of conversion of primary energy from fuel through combustion, which also has the least possible harmful effect on the environment. In this time of expressed demands for decarbonisation, it also means the affirmation of the use of renewable fuels and the indispensable application of appropriate primary measures in the combustion furnace. At the same time, the efficiency of the combustion process depends on several factors, from the type and properties of the fuel to the ambient and technological settings for the process. In this regard, with the aim of determining the static characteristics of combustion, experimental laboratory research was carried out on the combustion of mixtures of brown coal with low heating value and a high ash content with waste woody biomass and different process conditions: temperature, staged combustion air supply (air staging) and in conditions of application of a third or additional fuel (natural gas, reburning technology). Applied experimental methods included the analysis of the combustion process on the basis of input (reactants) - output (products), including the analysis of the composition of flue gases, i.e. the determination of the emission of the key components of flue gases CO2, CO, NOx and SO2, as well as the analysis of the composition of slag, ash and deposits ash, i.e. assessment and evaluation of the behaviour of ash from fuel in that process. Based on the obtained research results, this paper shows the significant positive effects of the application of primary measures in the furnace - compared to conventional combustion: air staging - reduction of net CO2 emissions during co-firing with biomass and reduction of NOx emissions by up to 30%; reburning technology - additional reduction of CO2 and NOx emissions in proportion to the share of natural gas, e.g. at a combustion process temperature of 1350 °C and at a 10% energy share of natural gas during the co-firing of a mixture of brown coal and waste woody biomass, compared to the emission without the use of natural gas, a reduction of NOx emissions by 185 mg/mn3 or by almost 30% was recorded. It was concluded, at the same time, the application of these primary measures in the furnace does not negatively affect the behaviour of ash from the fuel in the given settings of the combustion process.

Ionic liquids (ILs) have emerged as important solvents for conversion of lignocellulosic feedstocks to fuels and chemicals due to their ability to enable efficient biomass deconstruction and fractionation. Woody biomass derived from forest and agricultural residues has the potential to be used for production of biofuels and its removal from forests can help mitigate disastrous wildfires in fire-prone states like California. This study evaluated woody biomass types (pine, almond, walnut, and fir) from California as potential biofuel feedstocks. The feedstocks were pretreated with the ILs cholinium lysinate ([Ch][Lys]) and ethanolamine acetate ([EOA][OAc]), followed by enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation of lignocellulosic sugars to produce ethanol. Under optimal conditions, [EOA][OAc] pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis generated glucose and xylose yields in the range of 24-82 and 14-80%, respectively, while glucose and xylose yields for the [Ch][Lys] ranged between 28-83 and 23-80%, respectively. Maximum fermentable sugar was released from almond wood, and the lowest amount was from pine and fir. Blends of feedstocks were also explored, and a blend with a mass ratio of 2/2/1 (almond/walnut/pine) resulted in maximum glucose and xylose (>90%) yields using [Ch][Lys]. Fermentation of this hydrolysate using a C5-utilizing strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae resulted in a maximum ethanol concentration of 17.9 g/L for mixture biomass hydrolysate, corresponding to 60.8% fermentation efficiency. This study represents the first demonstration of the use of these ILs for pretreatment of woody biomass blends that resulted in a high overall conversion efficiency for ethanol production.

With a diverse and widely distributed global resource base, woody biomass is a compelling organic feedstock for conversion to renewable liquid fuels. In California, woody biomass comprises the largest fraction of underutilized biomass available for biofuel production, but conversion to fuels is challenged both by recalcitrance to deconstruction and by toxicity toward downstream saccharification and fermentation due to organic acids and phenolic compounds generated during pretreatment. In this study, we optimize pretreatment and scale-up of an integrated one-pot process for deconstruction of California woody biomass using the ionic liquid (IL) cholinium lysinate [Ch][Lys] as a pretreatment solvent. By evaluating the impact of solid loading, solid removal, yeast acclimatization, fermentation temperature, fermentation pH, and nutrient supplementation on final ethanol yields and titers, we achieve nearly full conversion of both glucose and xylose to ethanol with commercial C5-utilizing Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We then demonstrate process scalability in 680 L pilot-scale fermentation, achieving >80% deconstruction efficiency, >90% fermentation efficiency, 27.7 g/L ethanol titer, and >80% ethanol distillation efficiency from the IL-containing hydrolysate post fermentation. This fully integrated process requires no intermediate separations and no intermediate detoxification of the hydrolysate. Using an integrated biorefinery model, current performance results in a minimum ethanol selling price of $8.8/gge. Reducing enzyme loading along with other minor process improvements can reduce the ethanol selling price to $3/gge. This study is the largest scale demonstration of IL pretreatment and biofuel conversion known to date, and the overall biomass-to-ethanol efficiencies are the highest reported to date for any IL-based biomass-to-biofuel conversion.

Biomass characteristics play an important role in product classification, economic values, and types of usage. This research was initiated by the IEA Bioenergy Technology Collaboration Programme, which aimed to review and identify the top biomass characteristics as they relate to commercially viable biomaterial and bioenergy processes. An online search (in English) was conducted using the following keywords: biomass, chips, quality, characteristics, moisture content, calorific values, contamination and ash content. The search was restricted to woody biomass and raw feedstock materials. Review results were classified based on regions including Africa, America, Asia, Europe and Oceania. Each case study was described based on the study background, type of biomass and biomass attributes that were measured. The key biomass characteristic was moisture content that was consistently measured in almost all reports. Ash content and calorific value were classified as second place in terms of frequency in the biomass studies. Lower frequency belonged to the attributes such as bulk density, contamination, particle shape and nutrient (elemental) content. Detailed information of different case studies is provided in this report. It is anticipated that this literature review will assist IEA Bioenergy and its industrial and scientific network to better understand the current knowledge gaps regarding woody biomass characterisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

About 67% of the Indian population uses the simple traditional cook stoves using wood, coal, etc., as the primary fuel sources. These traditional cook stoves have thermal efficiency hardly (10–15%) with in-efficient utilization of scared natural resources. These lead to excessive smoke emission coupled with indoor air pollution. Community cooking in hostels of academic institutions of Northeast India is done by firewood, charcoal, or coal in a very inefficient way during the insufficient supply of non-renewable liquefied petroleum gas. Therefore, the present work directs design and performance testing of an efficient community biomass fired cook stove (four burners). The overall dimensions of the improved stove were (1650 mm × 1500 mm × 650 mm). Delonix regia (Gulmohar) was considered as a fuel for the cook stove. The stoichiometric air requirement was estimated as 6.06 kg against per kilogram of feedstock. The firepower of the improved cook stove was estimated as 86.54 kW under the stoichiometric combustion condition. Overall fuel combustion rate of the burner was 19.23 kg h−1 woody biomass. Maximum thermal efficiency at 20% excess air was 40%, and the burning rate of the fuel in the improved cook stove was computed as 0.0718 kg/min. The specific wood consumption was estimated as 0.20 kg/kg of water boiled at the maximum thermal efficiency point. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supercritical methanol is a tool for decomposing woody biomass and dissolving the products under relatively mild conditions. Thus, the use of supercritical methanol—in combination with catalytic hydrogenolysis—in industrial production of biochemicals has been widely studied. However, the contribution of specific methanol properties to wood decomposition remains unclear. In this study, the effect of the pressure on the decomposition of Japanese cedar in supercritical methanol was investigated in a semi-flow reactor. Delignification progressed better at higher pressure, attributable to the ability of methanol to dissolve high molecular weight, lignin-derived oligomers at high pressure. This solubility was strongly correlated with the methanol density. Methanol pressure also affected the product yields, with higher pressure resulting in higher coniferyl alcohol and sugar yields. This is attributable to the fact that the higher pressure facilitated rapid dissolution of the decomposition products and recovery from cell walls, protecting the products from further degradation. The findings of this study will contribute to the establishment of supercritical methanol in industrial production of biochemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canada has 347 million ha of forest cover, contributing to the potential large availability of wood‐based resources. Although Canada's forest sector contributed $23.7 billion to the national nominal gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019, the GDP contribution of the wood product manufacturing subsector shrank by 6%. To reposition the Canadian forest industry, new forest management practices and wood‐based conversion technologies should be applied. In this context, the use of woody biomass in biorefineries to produce clean energy, fuels, and chemicals is becoming increasingly significant. There is a need to understand the current status and challenges of the wood‐based biomass conversion technologies that have been and are being developed in Canada. This information will help decision‐makers in formulating and implementing forest sector‐related policies for a sustainable bioeconomy in Canada. This study is focused on a review of Canadian woody biomass conversion technologies. Our critical review identified considerable potential biomass conversion technologies specialized for woody feedstock, all in the Canadian setting. We focused on the prospects of revitalizing Canada's pulp and paper industry through the integration of pre‐treatment processes and biochemical technologies. The thermochemical conversion pathway was identified as the dominant route for woody feedstock valorization. The review also identified pathways with the potential to diversify the existing product mix that generate products from wood streams, such as chemicals and biomaterials. Most of the biochemical and thermochemical research done in institutional and multi‐institutional research collaborations from laboratory scale to industrial scale will boost the chances of the commercialization of a wood‐based biorefinery in Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EU has set the ambitious target of raising the share of EU energy consumption produced from renewable resources to 32% by 2030, with a target of climate neutrality by 2050. The aim of this paper is to assess the role of biomass usage in the context of these targets. The paper identifies the progress made between 2013 and 2022 by focusing on a selection of EU countries. The largest bioenergy increments of 130, 77, and 60 PJ were reported for Poland, Sweden, and the Netherlands. This study evaluates the crucial role of co-generation and heat in EU regions, with biomass usage between 55 and 80% of the combined heat and power (CHP) energy in Nordic countries. The future perspectives for bioenergy based on EU policies, biomass resources, and technical issues were addressed. The EU possesses around 9% of the global biomass supply, ensuring a certain level of biomass resource dependence. Thus, the biomass usage demand in energy production, non-energy sectors, and transport is expected to rise, leading to increments of 13–76% on biomass imports. It appears that bioenergy development is mostly limited by economic issues and uneven support for bioenergy in different EU countries as well as environmental issues. The study shows a promising and sustainable potential of bioenergy in the EU as a renewable energy source while minimizing negative impacts on the environment and the economy. By 2050, liquid biofuels are likely to be increasingly used in the transport sector. Non-energy sector usage of biomass is still in an early stage of development, except for the pulp and paper industry, and significant use of biomass in non-energy sectors seems unlikely in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Critical information on physico-chemical characterization, thermo-kinetics, and thermodynamic parameters for pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass are vital for safe and efficient design of biomass pyrolysis reactors. In the present investigation, physico-chemical characterization, pyrolysis and co-pyrolysis kinetics, and thermodynamic analysis of poplar wood (PW), eucalyptus wood (EW), and their binary blend (MW) were studied via TGA-thermograms obtained at 5, 10, and 20 °C/min under nitrogen atmosphere. The kinetic parameters were computed via model-fitting (inflection point and multiple linear regression) and model-free (OFW and KAS) methods. Both approaches predicted a different set of kinetic triplets where E-value from model-fitting (73.20 ± 1.57, 55.68 ± 1.34, 65.56 ± 1.18 kJ/mol for PW, EW, and MW) and model-free (173.86 ± 0.48, 210.53 ± 0.39, and 203.47 ± 0.23 kJ/mol for PW, EW, and MW) methods was predicted. Endothermicity, degree of stability, and energy barrier were found to be in the order of EW > MW > PW, EW > MW = PW, and EW = MW > PW, respectively. Further, behavior of pyrolysis reaction was established with the help of Criado method using Z(α) master plots. At initial conversion, diffusional processes predominate which was best described by D 1 (1-D diffusion; Parabola law) and thereafter nuclei grew according to first- and third-order reaction models. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen release during pyrolysis of woody biomass is studied considering anisotropicity and inhomogeneity of wood structure. A new anisotropic shrinkage model is proposed based on the decomposition of main wood constituents, i.e., cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The new shrinkage model can predict the temporal evolution of the wood structure, and the differences between axial and radial shrinkage during pyrolysis. The model agrees very well with several experimental data from the literature. Based on particle temperature during conversion, the pyrolysis is partitioned into four stages, and the hydrogen release and H 2 formation from each stage are investigated. Stage (IV) of pyrolysis, from 1000 to 1273 K, is found to be efficient for H 2 production owing to the production of considerable mass of H 2 with a minimal amount of tar species. Furthermore, the char quality is found to be different at the end of stages (II), (III), and (IV), where around 67.7, 80.5, and 93.4% wt. of solid residue is made of carbon, respectively. The model is also used to explain how the heating rate affects the temperature distribution inside the particle and how it shifts the peak of hydrogen release. Finally, the pyrolysis of two inhomogeneous wood samples — a beech twig with bark and a beech dowel with growth rings — are investigated. The bark can affect the pyrolysis rate, products, and flow pattern inside the particle. The growth rings do not have a considerable effect on the pyrolysis rate and products, but they have a significant impact on the flow pattern. This has an important implication for char conversion studies where the internal surface area and porosity field distribution have a significant effect on the gasification and oxidation rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Transactions of China Pulp & Paper is the property of China Pulp & Paper Magazines Publisher and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

BackgroundOrganic viticulture can generate a range of ecosystem services including supporting biodiversity, reducing the use of conventional pesticides and fertilizers, and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions through long-term carbon (C) storage. Here we focused on aboveground C storage rates and accumulation using a one-year increment analysis applied across different winegrape varietals and different-aged vineyard blocks. This produced a chronosequence of C storage rates over what is roughly the productive lifespan of most vines (aged 2-30 years). To our knowledge, this study provides the first estimate of C storage rates in the woody biomass of vines. Additionally, we assessed C storage in wildland buffers and adjacent oak-dominated habitats over a 9-year period.ResultsCarbon storage averaged 6.5 Mg/Ha in vines. We found the average annual increase in woody C storage was 43% by mass. Variation correlated most strongly with vine age, where the younger the vine, the greater the relative increase in annual C. Decreases in C increment rates with vine age were more than offset by the greater overall biomass of older vines, such that C on the landscape continued to increase over the life of the vines at 18.5% per year on average. Varietal did not significantly affect storage rates or total C stored. Carbon storage averaged 81.7 Mg/Ha in native perennial buffer vegetation; we found an 11% increase in mass over 9 years for oak woodlands and savannas.ConclusionsDespite a decrease in the annual rate of C accumulation as vines age, we found a net increase in aboveground C in the woody biomass of vines. The results indicate the positive role that older vines play in on-farm (vineyard) C and overall aboveground accumulation rates. Additionally, we found that the conservation of native perennial vegetation as vineyard buffers and edge habitats contributes substantially to overall C stores. We recommend that future research consider longer time horizons for increment analysis, as this should improve the precision of C accumulation rate estimates, including in belowground (i.e., soil) reservoirs.

Abstract Background Lignocellulosic resources are promising feedstocks for the manufacture of bio-based products and bioenergy. However, the inherent recalcitrance of biomass to conversion into simple sugars currently hinders the deployment of advanced bioproducts at large scale. Lignin is a primary contributor to biomass recalcitrance as it protects cell wall polysaccharides from degradation and can inhibit hydrolytic enzymes via non-productive adsorption. Several engineering strategies have been designed to reduce lignin or modify its monomeric composition. For example, expression of bacterial 3-dehydroshikimate dehydratase (QsuB) in poplar trees resulted in a reduction in lignin due to redirection of metabolic flux toward 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate at the expense of lignin. This reduction was accompanied with remarkable changes in the pools of aromatic compounds that accumulate in the biomass. Results The impact of these modifications on downstream biomass deconstruction and conversion into advanced bioproducts was evaluated in the current study. Using ionic liquid pretreatment followed by enzymatic saccharification, biomass from engineered trees released more glucose and xylose compared to wild-type control trees under optimum conditions. Fermentation of the resulting hydrolysates using Rhodosporidium toruloides strains engineered to produce α-bisabolene, epi-isozizaene, and fatty alcohols showed no negative impact on cell growth and yielded higher titers of bioproducts (as much as + 58%) in the case of QsuB transgenics trees. Conclusion Our data show that low-recalcitrant poplar biomass obtained with the QsuB technology has the potential to improve the production of advanced bioproducts.

Biomass materials play a key role in the renewable energy market as they can serve as a suitable alternative to fossil fuels. However, the quality of the material entering bioenergy plants is often a cause of technical concern. Biomass quality assessment is crucial not only for energy characterization but also for environmental and operational aspects. The goal of this study is to characterize and classify the biomasses used by Italian power plants with reference to the quality classes stated by the ISO standard 17225:2021. A further objective is to verify the ability of the standard to classify heterogeneous and specific biomasses. In this study, more than 900 biomass samples were analyzed. The samples were collected from several Italian power plants with >5 MWe between 2010 and 2020, and the most important physical and chemical parameters were analyzed according to the international standards of reference. The results of the analyses were collected in a large dataset used for subsequent statistical analyses. Statistical analyses applied are Principal Component Analysis and Pearson correlation maps, which showed that the ash content is a fundamental and ideal parameter to assess the biomass quality. Results obtained demonstrate that herbaceous biomasses are of low quality mainly due to the high ash content; a relatively low ash content was found for woody biomasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Woody biomass is suggested as a substitute for fossil fuels to achieve sustainable development. However, transitioning the land purpose to produce woody biomass entails investment and a tradeoff between wood pellet production and the current utilities created by the land, hindering the willingness of private landowners. To many forest landowners, forest trees and residues considered unprofitable to transport would be left in the forest without other proper use. The wasted woody resources on the land can be a potential source to increase the woody biomass supply. To support the policymakers, logging companies, state agencies, and landowners to better capitalize on these wasted resources, we aimed to identify the characteristics of woody-resource-wasting landowners and examine how to increase their likelihood to contribute to woody-biomass-based energy. By employing Bayesian Mindsponge Framework (BMF) analytics on a dataset of 707 private landowners in the United States (US), we discovered that landowners being male, having higher income, and being a member of a state/national forestry organization were more likely to waste woody resources. Moreover, woody-resource-wasting landowners perceiving woody-biomass-based energy as a substitution for fossil fuel were more likely to sell wood. In contrast, those perceiving environmental costs over the benefits of woody-biomass-based energy were less likely to sell. These findings can be used as insights for policymakers, logging companies, and state agencies to find an additional supply of woody-biomass-based energy from landowners likely to waste woody resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gasification is a thermochemical conversion process of feedstock comprising hydrocarbons (coal, biomass, and waste materials) into useful products (syngas, fuel, and other chemicals). It is a solution for carbonaceous waste streams generated from various industries, e.g., farming, petroleum, and municipalities. Here co-gasification of two different feedstocks: imported bituminous-coal and local palm-woody-biomass is investigated. Their compositional behaviors are inferred by Thermalgravimetric and Flash elemental analyzers while heating values are determined by a bomb calorimeter. Equilibrium based gasification analysis is done based on multiple reactions along with elemental and energy balance at different coal/palm-wood ratios. Values sweep of temperatures and pressures are attempted seeking optimal gasification conditions. Results show the higher biomass fraction of woody-palm the lower is the gasification efficiency. However, woody-biomass being an abundant waste, co-gasifying it at 50% with coal is feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is a continuous imperative to establish the most efficient process of conversion of primary energy from fuel through combustion, which also has the least possible harmful effect on the environment. In this time of expressed demands for decarbonisation, it also means the affirmation of the use of renewable fuels and the indispensable application of appropriate primary measures in the combustion furnace. At the same time, the efficiency of the combustion process depends on several factors, from the type and properties of the fuel to the ambient and technological settings for the process. In this regard, with the aim of determining the static characteristics of combustion, experimental laboratory research was carried out on the combustion of mixtures of brown coal with low heating value and a high ash content with waste woody biomass and different process conditions: temperature, staged combustion air supply (air staging) and in conditions of application of a third or additional fuel (natural gas, reburning technology). Applied experimental methods included the analysis of the combustion process on the basis of input (reactants) - output (products), including the analysis of the composition of flue gases, i.e. the determination of the emission of the key components of flue gases CO2, CO, NOx and SO2, as well as the analysis of the composition of slag, ash and deposits ash, i.e. assessment and evaluation of the behaviour of ash from fuel in that process. Based on the obtained research results, this paper shows the significant positive effects of the application of primary measures in the furnace - compared to conventional combustion: air staging - reduction of net CO2 emissions during co-firing with biomass and reduction of NOx emissions by up to 30%; reburning technology - additional reduction of CO2 and NOx emissions in proportion to the share of natural gas, e.g. at a combustion process temperature of 1350 °C and at a 10% energy share of natural gas during the co-firing of a mixture of brown coal and waste woody biomass, compared to the emission without the use of natural gas, a reduction of NOx emissions by 185 mg/mn 3 or by almost 30% was recorded. It was concluded, at the same time, the application of these primary measures in the furnace does not negatively affect the behaviour of ash from the fuel in the given settings of the combustion process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field drying Eucalyptus biomass can minimize the storage requirements, transportation costs, and/or the cost associated with biomass drying for biochar and other products. In central Florida, 12 6-year-old and 12 8-year-old Eucalyptus amplifolia and Eucalyptus grandis trees were field dried over two seasons, with two months of field drying in each season, and two tree forms (logs, whole tree). The whole tree average initial moisture content (MCod) on a dry basis ranged between 115 and 121% in E. amplifolia and 116 and 119% in E. grandis. The season and duration of field drying affected drying, but species, tree size, and tree form did not. In southern Florida, 19 3+-year-old coppice stems of an E. grandis × Eucalyptus urophylla hybrid clone (EH1) were field dried over two months of one season, with and without tree tops. The whole tree initial MCod ranged between 119 and 138%. The duration of field drying affected drying, but tree size and tree tops did not. Both studies suggest that field drying can effectively reduce wood MC and thus enhance E. amplifolia, E. grandis, and EH1 biomass quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biopower, electricity generated from biomass, is a major source of renewable energy in the US. About ten percent of US non-hydro renewable electricity in 2020 was generated from biomass. Despite significant growth in woody biomass use for electricity in recent decades, a systematic assessment of associated impacts on forest resources is lacking. This study assessed associations between biopower generation, and selected timberland structure indicators and carbon stocks across 438 areas surrounding wood-using and coal-burning power plants in the Eastern US from 2005 to 2017. Timberland areas around plants generating biopower were associated with more live and standing-dead trees, and carbon in their respective stocks, than comparable areas of neighboring plants only burning coal. We also detected an inverse association between the number of biopower plants and number of live and dead trees, and respective carbon stocks. We discerned an upward temporal trajectory in carbon stocks within live trees with continued biopower generation. We found no significant differences related to the amount of MWh biopower generation within the analysis areas. Net impacts of biopower descriptors on timberland attributes point to a positive trend in selected ecological conditions and carbon balances. The upward temporal trend in carbon stocks with longer generation of wood-based biopower may point to a plausibly sustainable contribution to the decarbonization of the US electricity sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The partial replacement of fossil fuels with biomass provides an alternative to producing cleaner and more sustainable energy and fuels. Conventional shale oil production infrastructure can potentially be used in co-pyrolysis with biomass to reduce the use of oil shale and decrease its environmental impact. The effect of adding 10 and 30 wt% woody biomasses (spruce, alder, pine, and birch) into oil shale was studied through intermediate co-pyrolysis. The experiments were carried out in a batch reactor at 520 °C, with a 20 min residence time, in CO2, CO2-H2O 1:1, and Ar gas atmospheres. The solid products were collected and analyzed for elemental composition and surface area, while the composition of the gases was determined through gas chromatography. The difference in experimental and theoretical mass balances of fuel blends was lower than 2.5 wt% in all gas environments, indicating slight interactions between the fuels. CO2 atmospheres contributed to increased decomposition, with up to 2.6 wt% lower solid products. Biomass increased the production of combustible gases, especially CO yields, from 0.42 to 1.30 vol%. The addition of biomass and the use of alternative atmospheres can improve pyrolysis through increased fuel decomposition and a lower share of residual mass from 74.4 wt% for oil shale to 58–70 wt% for oil shale and biomass blends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After nearly a decade of rapid development, woody biomass has been widely used in Japan for power generation and heating. However, it has faced bottlenecks in recent years, leading to a decline in its popularity. This study aimed to elucidate the current status of woody biomass utilization in Japan by reviewing relevant research papers on upstream resource supply and downstream case studies in the supply chain. The supply potential of woody biomass estimated by reviewed articles ranges from 1.2 to 5.5 m3/year/ha, yet a significant portion of this potential cannot be exploited. The utilization of government subsidies, mechanization, and aggregated forests can substantially enhance the availability. The utilization of woody biomass has garnered widespread attention from the Japanese government and private enterprises, presenting an economic impact ranging from 66 to 249 million JPY/t, along with a GHG emission reduction spanning from −17.29 to 202.44 kg-CO2eq/GJ. However, balancing cost and scale remains the primary challenge facing woody biomass utilization in Japan.