Biorefineries- a path to sustainability?

Abstract

Biorefi ning of crops for production of power, transport fuels, and a diverse array of chemicals has potential for providing signifi cant added economic value to biomass. A shift in the industrial resource base from fossil resources to biomass also requires a shift in the technology base for producing, handling, and processing of raw materials. Biotechnology will play an important role in providing tools for different stages ranging from biomass production, treatment, and valorization to various products. First generation refi neries have raised some critical issues related to land use and insuffi cient environmental benefi ts due to energy-intensive cultivation of crops. The abundant residual lignocellulosic biomass will constitute an important feedstock for the future biorefi neries so as to have a minimal impact on the food availability. Necessary investments in technological development will be needed to realize the benefi ts of the new bioeconomy in the long term.