BACKGROUND

Biomass represents an important energy resource i n the United S t a t e s both a t present and a s a potent ia l energy contr ibutor f o r the f u t u r e. i t i s estimatedl t h a t biomass contr ibuted about 3.5 % of the na t ions ' energy supply, approximately equivalent with nuclear energy which contr ibuted 3.6 % i n t h a t year. With proper resource management and the development o f e f f i c i e n t conversion processes, the Off ice of Technology Assessment has estimated * the potent ia l contr ibut ion of biomass to the United S t a t e s energy supply could range as high as 17 quadr i l l ion B t u per year--almost 20 % of cur ren t United S ta tes energ consumption. supply the nation with about 10 quadr i l l ion B t u by the year 2000. grasses, agr icu l tura l crops and t h e i r res idues, and animrl wastes can be used as energy feedstocks. help the United S t a t e s reduce i t s dependence on imported o i l and natural gas. Liqui