Executive summary: Concern for global warming has highlighted the inefficiencies and damage created using fossil fuel based energy. Energy from biomass holds the potential to create a sustainable and stable solution for the future of the energy industry. Grounded in the study of thermal chemistry, a variety of biomass materials will be analyzed to determine applicable and appropriate alternatives to fuel energy which may result a lucrative and secure energy future.

 Background:

• Fossil fuels are a non-renewable resource and the world is becoming more conscious of peak oil and global warming.
• There is a compelling need for scalable and commercially viable low emissions technologies, with a view to fossil resource displacement
• Current energy usage is a direct violation of FSSD sustainable principles number 1 and 3 through the extraction of materials to make fossil fuels, and indirect violation of 2 and 4.

Purpose of Study:  To identify sustainable biomass options and to improve the utilization of biomass waste resources and processing for the purpose of creating a viable energy solution that is more environmentally friendly.
 
FSSD Integration: This study relies on strategic thinking and long term planning for incumbent technologies to be harnessed in such a way that will ensure future stability in the industry. Use of the Framework will encourage innovation and promote systems thinking, ultimately leading to the creation of a better quality product that is safe from becoming obsolete. 
 
Implications for Managers: This research will introduce a broad range of skills and techniques relevant and applicable to sustainable energy conversion. Using systems thinking as a founding principle, may help with the development of a plan that will secure the future of the energy industry while retaining economic viability. The project develops advanced life cycle assessment techniques for evaluation of the energy streams for biomass cultivation, thermal conversion and beneficiation.
 
Implications for Researchers:  The project offers an outstanding research training opportunity to high calibre researchers who are exposed to academic and industry based guidance. Alternate fuels are the major research and technological areas for Australia for the foreseeable future, and hence this focussed training, with academic and industrial components are of great national benefit.
 
Methods: The research is conducted using a variety of investigative and analytical techniques in thermal chemistry to provide information fundamental for each investigated material. In the design phase life-cycle analyses will be undertaken to ensure that energy innovations take a systems-based approach to address issues of sustainability.
 
Project Contact:
Dr. Vladimir Strezov
Graduate School of the Environment
Macquarie University NSW 2109
AUSTRALIA
vstrezov@gse.mq.edu.au
p: +61(0)2 98506959
 
Project Team:
Vladimir Strezov Senior Lecturer/Director Env Sci Prog
Joe Herbertson Visiting Fellow
Tim Evans Visiting Fellow
Artur Ziolkowski Research Associate
Pushan Shah Research Associate
Scott Grierson PhD Student
Kamal Hossain PhD Student
Cara Mulligan MPhil Student
Annette Evans MPhil Student
Alain Ashman MPhil Student
 
Keywords: biomass, algae, renewable energy, biochar, bio-oils