The Transition to Green Energy: The Role of Biomass Energy in the Global Energy Structure

Abstract

This article discusses the importance and role of biomass energy in the global energy transition. As a renewable, clean, and low-carbon energy source, biomass energy originates from the solar energy fixed by plants, animals, and microorganisms through photosynthesis and has a variety of utilization methods, including direct combustion, biofuels, biogas, etc. Its proportion in the global energy structure (GES) varies by region but accounts for 96% of global renewable heat production. Biomass energy technologies include power generation, solid fuels, liquid fuels, and gaseous fuels technologies, which can aid in lowering greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. Although biomass energy has a place in the global GES, its development faces high costs, insufficient technical capabilities, and inadequate policy support. In the future, the biomass energy industry needs to build a low-carbon, circular, and sustainable development model, shift from solid utilization to gaseous utilization, and play a greater role in areas where electrification is difficult to decarbonize.