Bioenergy from residues – Possibilities and constraints

Biomass can be stored, can meet flexible demands and can be obtained from very diverse residue streams; sewage sludge, leaves or waste from food production are only a few examples. These residues can be used as an input material for energy provision and – thanks to innovative technologies – it is possible to further use this material as biochar, CO2 supply or recycled nutrients. Bioenergy thus not only complements the mix of renewable energies, but takes our society further along the path to a sustainable bio-economy in which all resources are employed. Within this context the overarching goal of the thematic issue is it to provide a collection of outstanding research papers showing these multifaceted aspects of biomass residues. Therefore, the following aspects should be addressed: - Efficient exploitation of sewage sludge - Emission reduction from biomass furnaces using lignocellulosic residues - Innovative biofuels utilizing wet biomass residues - Tapping residual and waste materials