A review on solar energy intensified biomass valorization and value-added products production: Practicability, challenges, techno economic and lifecycle assessment

Solar technology is a viable alternative which can be used in place of conventional energy sources. Conversion of biomass to valuable high-end products have also been touted as potential sources of energy which can replace conventional fossil fuel sources. The integration of solar energy in aiding the conversion of biomass to products seeks to completely transform the process into using renewable energy only, without aid of fossil fuel-based electricity. This review discusses the various applications of solar thermal energy and solar photovoltaic energy in various thermochemical processes like solar pyrolysis, hydrothermal liquefaction and gasification. The use of solar energy in production of biodiesel, bioethanol, biohydrogen and biomethane is elucidated on. The integration of all these process into a biorefinery aided by solar technology also has been briefly looked upon, with emphasis on the techno-economic analysis and life cycle analysis of the biorefineries. Finally, opportunities and challenges regarding solar technology has been elucidated with respect to the bioprocess industry.