Green Biorefinery Systems for Sustainable Biomass Utilization
Summary
Green biorefinery systems encompass an integrated suite of processes designed to convert fresh biomass—typically perennial grasses, legumes and green crop residues—into a spectrum of value-added products. By employing wet fractionation techniques, whole biomass is separated into a liquid fraction (press juice) rich in soluble nutrients and a fibrous press cake suitable for further treatment. Subsequent processing routes such as enzymatic hydrolysis, fermentation, hydrothermal liquefaction and anaerobic digestion yield proteins, bioethanol, biogas, bio-crude, platform chemicals and biomaterials. This cascading utilisation maximises resource recovery, minimises waste and underpins circular bioeconomy strategies. Green biorefinery deployment supports rural livelihoods by creating new revenue streams for farmers, reduces dependence on fossil resources and contributes to climate mitigation. Recent advances have focused on feedstock diversification, process intensification, year-round operation through biomass preservation (ensiling) and integration of unit operations to enhance overall energy and carbon efficiency. Such systems are rapidly evolving towards commercial feasibility, bridging agricultural practice, industrial biotechnology and renewable energy sectors to deliver sustainable biomass valorisation at scale.
Research from Nature Portfolio
No recent Nature Portfolio content available.
Green Biorefinery Systems for Sustainable Biomass Utilization publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in green biorefinery systems for sustainable biomass utilization across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Biorefinery: A facility that integrates biomass conversion processes and equipment to produce fuels, power, chemicals and materials from biomass feedstocks.
Lignocellulosic biomass: Plant matter composed of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, typically derived from agricultural residues or dedicated energy crops.
Wet fractionation: A mechanical separation process dividing fresh biomass into a liquid fraction (‘press juice’) and a solid fraction (‘press cake’).
Press juice: The aqueous fraction obtained from biomass after mechanical pressing, rich in soluble sugars, proteins and minerals.
Press cake: The fibrous solid residue remaining after extraction of press juice, used for further biochemical or thermochemical conversion.
Ensiling: The microbial fermentation of moist biomass under anaerobic conditions to preserve feedstock and stabilise biochemical components.
Hydrothermal liquefaction: A thermochemical process converting wet biomass under high temperature and pressure into bio-crude oil.
References
- Green Biorefinery systems for the production of climate-smart sustainable products from grasses, legumes and green crop residues. Biotechnology Advances (2023).
- Novel uses of ensiled biomasses as feedstocks for green biorefineries. Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology (2024).
- Biorefinery integration of a green protein platform for maximum resource utilization. Cleaner and Circular Bioeconomy (2023).
Turn complex research questions into confident strategic decisions
When you're under pressure to set direction, justify investment, or understand your competitive position, you need more than raw data — you need trusted insights you can act on.
Benchmark your performance against global peers using robust, methodologically sound analysis.
Combine quantitative metrics with qualitative expert insight to uncover strengths, gaps and emerging opportunities.
Gain tailored, decision-ready recommendations aligned to your strategic priorities.
Talk to us to learn more about our data dashboards and bespoke strategy reports.
Grow research skills, confidence and careers with training built for every stage of the research lifecycle.
Developed with Nature Portfolio journal Editors and internationally renowned experts. Discover three ways to learn:
Self-paced, online courses in convenient bite-sized units, covering key skills across scientific writing, publishing, grant writing, data analysis, and more.
Expert trainer-led workshops with hands-on exercises and real-time feedback across core research skills, delivered via interactive group sessions.
Editor-led workshops combining core principles in writing and publishing, personalised 1:1 feedback from Nature Portfolio Editors and hands-on exercises.
Explore course catalogues and workshop agendas, enquire about the options or request institutional pricing.