Biomass Energy Systems Branch

The first section describes the many research, development, and demonstration programs funded under the U.S. Department of Energy s Urban Waste and Municipal Systems Branch and the Biomass Energy Systems Branch. 

A geographical distribution of current biomass thermochemical conversion projects sponsored by the Biomass Energy Systems Branch is shown in Figure 5. 

The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief overview of the biomass thermochemical conversion activities of the Biomass Energy Systems Branch. Detailed papers on each of the projects mentioned in this overview were presented at the 3rd Annual Biomass Energy Systems Conference held in Golden, Colorado, June 4-7, 1979. Copies of the proceedings of this conference will be available from The National Technical Information Service (NTIS) as SERI/ TP-33-285, beginning approximately November 1, 1979... 

The DOE has three major offices which are active in biomass technology development and commercialization. The Biomass Energy Systems Branch and Wood Commercialization Program within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Conservation and Solar Applications are the major funders of biomass projects in DOE. In addition, DOE provides funds to the Solar Energy Research Institute for biomass research and development activities. Presently, DOE funding is focused on the production, conversion, and/or utilization of biomass, rather than on programs which focus upon a particular type of biomass or industry segment. Industry executives felt that the impact of... 

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