Biomass for a sustainable bioeconomy: An overview of world biomass production and utilization

• Published in: Renewable & sustainable energy reviews Vol. 139; p. 110691
• Main Authors: Antar, Mohammed, Lyu, Dongmei, Nazari, Mahtab, Shah, Ateeq, Zhou, Xiaomin, Smith, Donald L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.04.2021
• Subjects: Agronomic practices; Beneficial microorganism; Bioeconomy; Biofuel; Biomass production; Genome editing; Microbe-to-plant signal compounds; Renewable energy; Biomass production; Renewable energy; Microbe-to-plant signal compounds; Biofuel; Genome editing; Agronomic practices; Beneficial microorganism; Bioeconomy
• ISSN: 1364-0321; 1879-0690
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2020.110691

Given both the ongoing expansion of world population and development of climate change conditions, it is increasingly imperative to develop and deploy sustainable biomass production methods to allow establishment of a flourishing and sustainable bioeconomy. Green technologies, including biofuels and bioproducts, are among the most effective strategies for decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and global warming, while meeting humanity's energy requirements. Biomass now provides a measure of energy to many countries, however supporting technologies are not widely accepted, largely because of low returns for biomass producers. This paper provides an overview of world biomass production and utilization. It also indicates potential approaches for enhancing biomass production: agronomic practices, associated microorganisms, genome editing, selection of optimal technologies, best combination approaches for feeding global human and animal populations, while, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and replacing demand for fossil energy with bioenergy. A more novel concept is proposed, microbe-to-plant signal compounds, as the potential approach to address the challenges we are facing. These compounds (e.g., lipo-chitooligosaccharide and thuricin 17) have been shown to increase growth for diverse plant species, particularly when they are growing under stressful conditions, however, their commercial development/utilization is far from complete. This review paper will expand the understanding of using the signal interaction between crop and beneficial microorganisms not only to enhance plant growth but also promote agricultural sustainability and a stronger bioeconomy. •We must address the challenges of sustainable energy supply in the face of climate change and increased population.•By better understanding their biology and economics, biofuels and associated high-value bioproducts will be key to this.•A comprehensive overview of world biomass production and utilization is provided.•Enhanced biomass production through management of associated microorganisms, genetics and management are considered.•Microbe-to-plant signal compounds can contribute to climate change resilient agriculture. Then, this paper ends with a discussion of challenges and obstacles to promoting the application of advanced technologies and what is needed to overcome these. Establish the long-term benefits and value of biomass and the bioeconomy will also be discussed.