Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery Fundamentals

As the world transitions away from fossil fuels, finding sustainable alternatives for energy and materials is more critical than ever. Biomass conversion offers a viable path forward by transforming organic matter into clean energy, fuels, and high-value chemicals. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to biorefinery concepts, equipping you with the foundational knowledge to understand and evaluate modern bioenergy systems. You will begin with essential terminology and the chemical structure of different biomass types before exploring thermochemical, biochemical, and chemical conversion pathways. The course also integrates modern sustainability frameworks, including life-cycle assessment basics and circular economy principles, to help you evaluate the environmental viability of these technologies. What you'll learn: - Understand the chemical composition and classification of diverse biomass feedstocks - Analyze thermochemical conversion pathways including pyrolysis, gasification, and combustion - Explore biochemical processes such as anaerobic digestion, fermentation, and enzymatic hydrolysis - Evaluate biorefinery configurations that maximize resource recovery and minimize waste - Apply basic life-cycle assessment concepts to measure the environmental impact of bioenergy systems - Identify the economic and technical challenges of scaling up biomass conversion technologies This course is structured to take you from core chemical definitions to complex biorefinery workflows, ensuring a solid conceptual foundation before moving into practical industrial applications. This course is designed for beginners, students, and professionals in environmental science, engineering, or sustainability who want to understand the bioenergy landscape. No prior experience in chemical engineering is required. Start reading today to build your foundational knowledge in sustainable bioenergy and biorefinery design.