 Torifaction is a process which significantly increases the energy density of biomass, making it more suitable for use in existing thermal power plants. It also makes the biomass more resistant to weathering and biodegradation, allowing for outdoor storage and transport. Torifaction can be further improved by adding a binding agent such as lignin or biomass tar, which increases the durability of the pellets. Lignin byproducts from pulp and paper processing, biomass tar from biomass pyrolysis, tall oil pitch, and lime are all viable options for binding agents. This article was authored by James W. Butler, William Scriven, and Samira Lotfi.