In a sense, biomass can substitute for any fuel provided appropriate biomass-conversion technology is employed, and there is enough supply of biomass feedstock. Some uses of biomass-based fuel are impractical; for example, bulky wood gasifiers have been added to vehicles just to demonstrate it is possible. On the other hand, wood gasifiers are now commercially manufactured that can provide all the electricity for a home or business. Biomass substitution makes the most sense when it can be used with minimum adaptation or where it provides a significant benefit such as long-term cost savings. The most readily feasible opportunities for substitution are in gasifiers or boilers. Technology has demonstrated that woody biomass can be used to make transportation fuels but at present it lacks the cost advantages which would make it preferred in the marketplace. Based on a contribution by NCSU Extension Forestry and used with permission by authors.
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