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Biomass Energies

Resources, Links, Constraints

  • Book
  • © 1983

Overview

Authors:
  1. Vaclav Smil

    1. The University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada

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Part of the book series: Institute for Amorphous Studies Series (IASS)

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Table of contents (9 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xxi
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  2. Biomass

    • Vaclav Smil
    Pages 1-19

  3. Forests

    • Vaclav Smil
    Pages 21-117

  4. Trees for Energy

    • Vaclav Smil
    Pages 119-162

  5. Crop Residues

    • Vaclav Smil
    Pages 163-236

  6. Fuel Crops

    • Vaclav Smil
    Pages 237-295

  7. Aquatic Plants

    • Vaclav Smil
    Pages 297-322

  8. Animal and Human Wastes

    • Vaclav Smil
    Pages 323-388

  9. Summaries

    • Vaclav Smil
    Pages 389-399

  10. Reflections

    • Vaclav Smil
    Pages 401-417

  11. Back Matter

    Pages 419-453
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Keywords

About this book

tions is not possible without first putting the problem into a wider con­ text. Consequently, before proceeding with detailed critical topical cov­ erage of individual biomass energy sources, uses, and effects, I will extend this preface with a few pages of rather personal reflections (I will use the same device in closing the book: after providing concise topical summaries in Chapter 8, I will conclude with some essayistic musings on renewable energetics, plants, people, and a scientist's responsibility). Interest in biomass energies is just a part of a broader global trend toward renewable energetics, a trend which has evolved speedily after the crude oil price escalation started in 1973. Yet one must be reminded that for the rich countries fossil fuels are, and for a long period shall remain, the foundation of an affluent civilization, while throughout the poor world the reliance of most people on biomass energies for everyday subsistence has brought many damaging environmental and social ef­ fects; that the reality of sharp price rises for crude oil (actually not so sharp once adjusted for inflation) should not be misconstrued as an "energy crisis"; that the rise of renew abies and the claims made on their behalf by countless enthusiasts look so much better on paper than in reality; and that the potential of biomass energies, an essential ingre­ dient of renewable scenarios, has been judged more with proselytizing zeal than with critical detachment.

Authors and Affiliations

  • The University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada

    Vaclav Smil

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