Analysis of Brazilian Biomass Focusing on Thermochemical Conversion for Energy Production

Concerns about climate change and other issues mostly related to the reduction of fossil fuel usage have increased the demand for renewable energy sources. The possibility of using lignocellulosic biomass for energy generation is gaining interest in many countries worldwide. The current paper presents the analysis of physicochemical characteristics of nine lignocellulosic biomasses: five types of eucalyptus wood chips, sugar cane bagasse, elephant grass, bamboo, and coconut husk. Selection of a thermal conversion technology depends on the knowledge of important biomass characteristics in relation to thermal conversion: density and productivity, proximate and ultimate analysis, heating value, ash and polysaccharides composition, and thermogravimetric analysis. With regard to the annual energy potential and density, it was suggested that Eucalyptus urophylla (Flores IF) x E. urophylla (Timor) and bamboo have the greatest potential for energy application, which reduces transport and storage costs. Moreover, the eucalyptus has desirable characteristics in thermal conversion processes: low ash content that results in lesser damage to the equipment and low content of sulfur and nitrogen that leads to better environmental performance and product quality. The obtained information could be used as a basis for a more comprehensive database of biomass properties that will help to evaluate various biomasses with respect to the renewable energy potential.