Johnson Matthey Technology Review - Volume 69, Issue 1, 2025

The pursuit of sustainable energy sources on a worldwide scale is a crucial and pressing matter, with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) offering a comprehensive framework for properly addressing this challenge. This two-part paper provides an overview of the various technologies now available for the process of biomass gasification. Compared to other renewable energy sources, which have undergone significant technological advancements in recent years, the field of biomass conversion is still relatively new. Keeping up with the newest breakthroughs becomes increasingly crucial as new conversion techniques are rapidly being created. In the thermochemical conversion process called ‘biomass gasification’, biomass solid source materials are degraded or incompletely burned in an oxygen-free or oxygen-deficient high-temperature atmosphere, resulting in the production of biomass gas. Part I delves into different biomass gasification techniques, including upstream, gasification and downstream processes, highlighting their importance in transforming biomass into clean and combustible gases.

Part II of this review focuses on methodologies and protocols employed in biomass gasification, recognising its pivotal role in sustainable energy generation. Additionally, the article discusses the challenges associated with gasification technology, such as tar formation, biomass heterogeneity and uneven biomass supply in different seasons. It emphasises the need for further research and infrastructure development to overcome these barriers and facilitate the efficient distribution and commercialisation of biomass gasification technology. Overall, the scope of the article extends to providing insights into the status, challenges and future prospects of biomass gasification for achieving sustainable energy goals.