BIOMASS POWER FOR ENERGY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The paper discusses some aspects concerning the utilization of biomass as a bioenergy resource worldwide and in Romania, since biomass is considered a sustainable, potentially environmentally sound and a replenishable resource. The biomass categories for bioenergy are analyzed, considering the factors which influence its availability. Biomass energy potential and current use in different regions as well as in Europe is accounted. Also, biomass power as an important alternative for providing energy in rural sector is described and some technologies for biomass conversion are evaluated briefly. Biomass and renewable energy from biomass are considered end products, which involve new and advanced technologies to improve power production efficiency. It is evidenced that biomass provides a clean, renewable energy source, which could improve economic, energetic and environmental sectors. Also, many factors converge in making bioenergy a key issue toward the achievement of the Millenium Development Goals. Contributions of bioenergy to sustainable development of humanity are also discussed, based on some sustainability considerations and indicators. The investments in biomass and bioenergy in Romania are also considered as important, since the production of renewable energy for Romania is an important topic. The future projection on the use of renewable energy resources points toward actions for economic development where renewable energy from biomass will play more and more a growing role, without affecting the community food security.