Biomass has the specific characteristic of being included in a short regeneration cycle that minimizes its ecological impact and should give it a preferential role in the energy transition. The scale up in the deployment of bioenergy requires an objective approach to processes. It is necessary to identify, according to a defined and available biomass, the most appropriate processes and products to extend their deployment This requires deep process analysis to identify achievable optimizations and opportunities of improvement. In order to provide criteria to identify the upper theoretical limits of biomass conversion, a theoretical approach to the conversion of two biomass (lignocellulosic and microalguae) into simple energy vector as alkanes, alcohols, carbon monoxide or hydrogen is carried out. Modelling highlights the importance of stoichiometry in the feasibility and efficiency of biomass conversions. The impact of hydrogen supply and its energy cost in improving conversion efficiency is also underlined. In terms of biomass conversion results, microalgae provide better conversion efficiency than lignocellulosic biomass. For these reactions, an optimal carbon conversion ratio is identified. The optimum conversion ratios are about 36%-46% for short chains such as methane or methanol and 64%-75% for long chains. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.