New review shows how biomass can deliver low-carbon gaseous fuels at scale
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Techno-economic and life-cycle assessments of biomass thermochemical conversion into gaseous fuels
view moreCredit: Muhammad Saddam Hussain, Meng Shi, Shiyu Zhang, Yeshui Zhang, Xuan Bie, Qinghai Li, Yanguo Zhang, Sebastian Lubjuhn, Sandra Venghaus, & Hui Zhou
A new comprehensive review highlights how converting biomass into gaseous fuels such as hydrogen, methane, and syngas could play a critical role in the global transition to low-carbon energy systems. By combining techno-economic analysis with life-cycle assessment, the study provides one of the clearest pictures to date of when and where biomass-based gaseous fuels can be both climate-friendly and economically viable.
The review, published in Energy & Environment Nexus, examines thermochemical conversion pathways that transform agricultural residues, forestry waste, and other non-food biomass into clean gaseous fuels. These fuels can be used for electricity generation, industrial heat, transportation, and as building blocks for chemicals and synthetic fuels.
“Biomass is unique among renewable energy sources because it can store carbon-based chemical energy,” said corresponding author Hui Zhou. “If designed properly, biomass conversion systems can not only replace fossil fuels but also achieve net negative greenhouse gas emissions when paired with carbon capture.”
The authors analyzed dozens of previous studies to identify the main factors shaping performance and cost. Feedstock type, moisture content, local supply chains, and technology maturity all strongly influence outcomes. High moisture biomass, common in tropical regions, can significantly increase energy use and operating costs, while locally sourced feedstocks can improve both economics and emissions performance.
A key contribution of the review is its integration of techno-economic analysis with life-cycle assessment. Techno-economic analysis evaluates capital costs, operating expenses, and market competitiveness, while life-cycle assessment measures environmental impacts such as greenhouse gas emissions across the full production chain.
“Looking at cost or emissions alone can be misleading,” said co-corresponding author Sandra Venghaus. “Our review shows that some pathways that look expensive today may become highly competitive under carbon pricing or supportive policy frameworks, while others only deliver climate benefits under specific regional conditions.”
The analysis reveals that several biomass-to-gas pathways can outperform fossil fuels in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, especially when combined with carbon capture and storage. In some cases, these systems can remove more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than they emit over their life cycle. However, the authors caution that uncertainties in modeling assumptions and data quality remain a major challenge.
Technology readiness also varies widely. Some gasification and methanation systems are already operating at near-commercial scale, while others, such as supercritical water gasification, remain at early demonstration stages. Catalyst degradation, system integration, and high capital costs continue to limit large-scale deployment.
Beyond technical and economic factors, the review highlights social and environmental trade-offs. Expanding biomass supply chains can create rural jobs and support local economies, but may also intensify land-use pressures and fuel concerns about competition between food and energy production if not carefully managed.
The authors emphasize the importance of modular, locally adapted biorefineries that use regionally available residues rather than dedicated energy crops. They also call for stronger policy support, standardized assessment methods, and better integration of social considerations into energy planning.
“Biomass-based gaseous fuels are not a silver bullet,” Zhou said. “But with the right technology choices, sustainable feedstocks, and consistent policies, they can become a powerful part of a diversified, low-carbon energy portfolio.”
The review provides a roadmap for researchers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers seeking to scale biomass-derived gaseous fuels in ways that are both economically sound and environmentally responsible.
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Journal reference: Hussain MS, Shi M, Zhang S, Zhang Y, Bie X, et al. 2025. Techno-economic and life-cycle assessments of biomass thermochemical conversion into gaseous fuels. Energy & Environment Nexus 1: e014
https://www.maxapress.com/article/doi/10.48130/een-0025-0015
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About Energy & Environment Nexus:
Energy & Environment Nexus (e-ISSN 3070-0582) is an open-access journal publishing high-quality research on the interplay between energy systems and environmental sustainability, including renewable energy, carbon mitigation, and green technologies.
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Method of Research
Literature review
Subject of Research
Not applicable
Article Title
Techno-economic and life-cycle assessments of biomass thermochemical conversion into gaseous fuels
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