Renewable sources of energy (carbohydrates)

Abstract

Alcohol produced from carbohydrates by gasification followed by catalytic re-synthesis or by fermentation can be used as substitute liquid transport fuel or as chemical feedstock. Sugar cane at present appears to be the most attractive resource in tropical countries but there are other potentially suitable cereal and root crops. In temperate climates it is unlikely that biomass fuel will contribute much of the energy demand except in countries with large timber resources.