Synthesis gas obtained by biomass gasification can be utilized in a variety of ways and end-uses. Although all conventional syngas utilization methods

are conceivable and applicable, the process economics, based on the current fuel market and the current level of available technology, may not be favor­able for the manufacture of bulk petrochemicals that have traditionally relied on the syngas derived from either natural gas (NG) or coal. However, in cer­tain niche markets, biomass synthesis gas can favorably compete against the NG-based syngas or coal-syngas. Furthermore, biomass syngas is CO2 neutral and renewable as well as possibly being better suited for small — to medium-scale operations.

Syngas obtained from biomass gasification can be used for indirect lique­faction processes by which syngas is converted to liquid transportation fuels such as methanol, dimethylether (DME), ethanol, higher alcohols, gasoline, diesel, and jet fuels, as shown in Figure 5.16. The following will have to be accomplished in order to convert the biomass syngas into clean liquid fuels that can be used in the conventional energy/fuel infrastructure:

(a) Innovative process integration schemes need to be devised.

(b) Highly efficient energy integration between the intraprocess and interprocess steps needs to be devised and achieved.

(c) Effects of trace minerals in the biomass syngas on the process cata­lysts need to be fully understood and managed.

(d) Robust and highly effective catalyst systems need to be developed and demonstrated on a long-term basis.

(e) Efficient conversion technology of CO2-rich syngas needs to be devel­oped and refined.

(f) Biomass pretreatment technology needs to be enhanced.

(g) Conversion technologies using mixed feedstock need to be developed and refined.

(h) Gas clean-up technology needs to be sufficiently enhanced in terms of the efficacy and cost.

(i) Gas separation and purification technology needs to be enhanced.