Bioenergy and Sustainable Development

Contents: Preface. 1. Bioenergy: basic concepts, types and meaning. 2. Agriculture and bioenergy. 3. Biomass resource. 4. Algae based biofuels. 5. Biogas. 6. Rural energy challenge. 7. Bioenergy and sustainable development. 8. Bioenergy policy. 9. Bioenergy trade. 10. Bioenergy production of food prices. Glossary. References. Index.

Bioenergy comes from any fuel that is derived from biomass recently living organisms or their metabolic byproducts. Biomass can include matter such as cow manure. Unlike other natural resources such as petroleum, coal and nuclear fuels, bioenergy is a renewable energy source. Bioenergy is considered to be renewable because useful energy can be produced in a manner that does not deplete finite resources over human timescales. Proper forestry practices must be maintained to ensure that wood based fuels represent a sustainable resource. Growing dedicated energy crops also represents a sustainable option, so long as agricultural methods are sound. Agricultural products specifically grown as a source of bioenergy include corn and soyabeans, Biodegradable waste such; straw, timber, manure, sewage, biodegradable waste and food leftovers from industry, agriculture, forestry, and households can also be used to produce bioenergy.

Bioenergy is increasingly regarded as a promising potential energy source that will help to answer questions revolving around sustainability and supply. Biofuels and biomass have been recognized as essential ingredients in the sort of energy mix which sensible energy policies will be bound incorporate.