One of the first uses of biomass by men for obtaining energy began with the use of fire for cooking and lighting; therefore, wood was long used as the main source of energy. The Industrial Revolution marked the peak in importance of biomass consumption, with the use of fuelwood in the steel industry. With the emergence of the steam engine, biomass began to be applied in the industry and in transportation; even with the advent of fossil fuels exploration, fuelwood still performed an energy role, mainly in tropical countries (RODRIGUES, 2005).
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