In this section, the state of the art of the existing technologies for supply of biomass from the farm to a biorefinery was analyzed. Several scenarios for potential technologies that will reduce the cost of supply were presented. The analysis shows that the following are key components to reduce costs:

• Reduce the number of passes through the field by amalgamating collection operations.

• Increase the bulk density of biomass.

• Work with reduced moisture content.

• Densification (pelletization or briquetting) is a viable option although the existing technology of densification is expensive.

• Trucking seems to be the most prevailing transport option but other modes of transport such as rail and pipeline may become attractive once the capital costs for these transport modes are reduced.

A biorefinery requires biomass in a form that could yield the maximum conversion prod­ucts. Among the desirable specifications is cleanliness of the biomass—to be free from dirt, stone, synthetic fibers, and oil. It is also desirable to have biomass at a uniform moisture content and particle size distribution. Further physical and chemical specifications will become important as conversion technologies advance. Biomass also has to be preprocessed to increase its bulk density and its flowability. A densely pelleted biomass takes much less space than a bulky fibrous biomass. The dense pelleted biomass can also flow easily. Biomass can be engineered to meet both the requirement of a biorefinery as well as its low-cost safe handling issues.