An Introduction to Bioenergy

Contents: Introduction and Definitions: The Need for Alternative Fuels; Composition of Fossil Fuels; Terminology, Further Definitions and the Major Bioenergy Feedstocks; Potential Benefits of Replacing Fossil Fuels with Biofuel, Biomass and Biogas; Political Drivers for Biofuel Development; Food versus Fuel; Bioethanol: Introduction; Fermentation of Sugars to Ethanol; Bioethanol from Sucrose-Accumulating Crops; Bioethanol from Starch; Second Generation Bioethanol from Cellulose and Other Cell Wall Polysaccharides; Butanol; Biodiesel: Introduction; Oil Synthesis in Oilseed Crops; Biodiesel Manufacturing; Biodiesel Feedstocks; Potential Second Generation Biodiesel Feedstocks; Biotechnology; Biomass: Introduction; Willow; Poplar; Miscanthus; Native American Prairie Grasses; Giant Reeds and Reed Canary Grass; Co-Firing of Grain; Thermal Conversion; Biogas: Introduction; Anaerobic Digestion; Feedstock; Biomethane; Commercial Production; Conclusions;