Sustainable valorization of agricultural biomass: progress in thermochemical conversion for bioenergy production

Abstract The widespread generation of solid agricultural waste has become a significant concern due to improper disposal practices such as open dumping and burning, which contribute to environmental pollution. Globally, over 5 billion tonnes of agricultural biomass waste are produced annually, highlighting the need for sustainable valorization strategies. Lignocellulosic biomass offers a promising feedstock for bioenergy and value‐added products, given its environmental benefits, abundance, local availability, and potential to replace fossil fuels. This review explores both the fundamentals and recent advances in thermochemical conversion processes for biomass valorization. Key topics include process principles, mechanisms, and operating conditions. Major thermochemical techniques – torrefaction, combustion, pyrolysis, gasification, and liquefaction – are examined with emphasis on their applications and environmental advantages. The integration of these processes with renewable energy technologies is also discussed, offering opportunities to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Economic considerations, process integration, and optimization are reviewed to assess feasibility and scalability. This work provides a comprehensive overview of the technical, environmental, and economic dimensions of thermochemical biomass conversion, serving as a valuable resource for emerging researchers in the field.