Fundamental Biochemical and Biotechnological Principles of Biomass Growth and Use

This chapter starts with an analysis of the fossil economy, especially in the chemical sector. The current global economy is very much based on fossil resources to produce energy (electricity, fuel, heat) and organic chemicals. All fossil resources have the following common characteristics: they are rich in carbon and energy; their composition is not very complex and quite homogeneous; they can be produced at moderate, though growing cost; and fossil resources can be shipped easily by railway, tankers, and pipelines. The chapter discusses the fundamental biochemical and biotechnological principles of fossil‐ and bio‐based carbon sources concerning nature, production, and processing. The fossil resources are limited and their use is leading to CO 2 emission and consequently climate change. Biomass is the only alternative. The chapter reviews the complex challenges in making vegetable biomass the dominant sustainable feedstock.