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Thermochemical conversion of biomass to fuels and feedstocks: an overview of R and D activities funded by the Department of Energy

Conference · · ACS Symp. Ser.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6487239

This paper is intended to provide an overview of thermochemical conversion technology development activities within the Biomass Energy Systems Branch of the US Department of Energy (DOE). The Biomass Energy Systems Branch (BESB) is a part of DOE's Division of Distributed Solar Technology. The biomass thermochemical conversion technology development activities sponsored by the Biomass Energy Systems Program can be categorized into four main areas; direct combustion, direct liquefaction, gasification, and indirect liquefaction via synthesis gas. Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) and Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory (LBL) have been selected to provide program management services to the Biomass Energy Systems Program. PNL is responsible for the technical management of development activities directed toward the thermochemical conversion of biomass feedstocks by direct combustion, gasification and indirect liquefaction via synthesis gas. LBL is responsible for the technical management of development activities on the direct liquefaction of biomass feedstocks. Biomass comprises all plant growth, both terrestrial and aquatic and includes renewable resources such as forests and forest residues, agricultural crop residues, animal manures, and crops grown on energy farms specifically for their energy content. Biomass production and conversion is considered a solar technology because living plants absorb solar energy and covert it to biomass through photosynthesis.

OSTI ID:
6487239
Report Number(s):
CONF-790917-P5
Journal Information:
ACS Symp. Ser.; (United States), Journal Name: ACS Symp. Ser.; (United States) Vol. 130; ISSN ACSMC
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English