## 1 Introduction  
### Global Energy Scenario  
The global energy scenario is one of the most challenging issues when it comes to the global development of a country. The current oscillations in energy production, due to many factors, such as geopolitics or international relations, have pointed out, in the cases of many countries (especially smaller or less powerful ones, which are usually more dependent and vulnerable compared to world powers, such as China or the USA [1]), the need for modifications in energy patterns towards a lower energy dependency, which would imply a boost for their economies and industrial activities [2], possibly reducing the influence of international oil companies (IOCs) in energy transition, as in the case of Europe [3]. Notably, the possibility for many countries to become \"prosumer actors\" through a green transition could reduce any form of geopolitical concern [4]. For instance, in the case of Europe (according to recent studies), it is vital to replace energy imports with domestic energy production, in order to reduce energy dependency. If import substitution takes place using domestic renewable energy sources, additional positive effects could be found in terms of energy dependency and security, as well as sustainable development [5]. Additionally, there is an increasing concern (at both the national and international levels) about environmental issues such as climate change, with greenhouse gas emissions being among the most worrying aspects related to industrial activities and energy consumption. As a result, international organizations, such as the United Nations, have been fostering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), for which the implementation of specific steps to promote sustainable economic and energy growth (especially in the cases of developing countries) have an essential role, promoting concepts such as green chemistry, circular economy, or atom efficiency, among others, in order to maintain the environmental quality of soil, water, and air [6]. Specifically, the use of biomass could play an important role in the implementation of these SDGs or similar biomass-, bioprocessing-, or other bio-based product policies, implying, in many cases, the valorization of waste with difficult environmental management, through its energy use at local and industrial levels, and possibly contributing to bioeconomic strategies (of which many are still not completely coherent with common bioeconomic objectives), thus becoming an interesting resource through which to improve the use of marginal lands that can alleviate resource competition and soil deterioration [7]. Additionally, the data included in Figure 1 support the abovementioned reasoning. Thus, if worldwide pellet production is considered (Figure 1a), an exponential increase can be observed over the last two decades, which points out the commercialization of biomass at the global level. Also, in the case of Europe, there was a steady increase in solid biomass primary energy production, from around 50 million tons of oil equivalent in 2000 to about 100 million tons in 2021 (that is, production doubled). This fact could imply an increase in the implementation of biomass power plants. For instance, regarding Germany (Figure 1c), there was a 16% increase in the use of biomass power plants in the last decade, pointing out the commitment of this country to renewable energies, including biomass. Last but not least, the role of biomass in some developing regions or countries could be important, as shown in Figure 1d, in the case of electricity generation from biomass and waste in Africa. As observed, electricity generation doubled in two decades, demonstrating this energy source as an interesting way to contribute, among other renewable energies, to the sustainable development of Africa. Indeed, interesting work has been carried out regarding the use of local biomass in boilers, as in the case of Cameroon [8].