Introductory Chapter

Abstract

Bioenergy is energy derived from non-fossilized plant and algal biomass. The energy stored in biomass can be released either directly, by simply burning the harvested material, or indirectly after its conversion into a liquid biofuel such as bioethanol and biodiesel or into a gaseous biofuel such as biogas, hydrogen or synthesis gas. The aim of this Leopoldina report is to evaluate the chances and limits of bioenergy as an energy source for Germany with a European and a global perspective. First “The availability and sustainability of plant biomass as energy source” are discussed. This is followed by a chapter on “Conversion of biomass into marketed energy carriers and precursors for chemical synthesis” including thethermochemical path from biomass to fuels. Finally the topic “Biological and bio-inspired solar dihydrogen production” is addressed – a presently much discussed area – although this research has not yet provided operationally usable devices. Economic and socioeconomic aspects of bioenergy are only touched upon in a few cases as an aid to understanding. The general conclusions and recommendations are published as a German and English version: • Bioenergie: Möglichkeiten und Grenzen. Stellungnahme der Nationalen Akademie der Wissenschaften – Leopoldina. Kurzfassung und Empfehlungen (2012) • Bioenergy: Chances and Limits. Statement of the National Academy of Sciences – Leopoldina Executive summary and recommendations (2012)