What is Biomass?

Biomass in simplest terms is material from plants or animals that can be used to produce energy. It is easily the oldest form of renewable resources in use by humans today. Types of biomass include plants, wood, grass, animal waste, landfill waste, and sewer waste. Typically, biomass is accessed through burning these materials, but much energy is lost during the process and there are environmental concerns to be aware of.

Bomass can be mixed into coal during the burning process to cut down on pollution in a process called Co-Firing. Plant oils can be chemically processed into fuels, and biomass materials can be liquified and turned into fuels or gasses in thermochemical processing. Biomass energy can also be accessed in sewage and waste treatment plants through Biochemical processing.

Biomass still acounts for a small portion of worldwide energy use, but it is one of the fastest growing renewable energy sources and has a promising outlook on the future.

 

ALGAE BIODIESEL

Algae grow naturallly all over the world. They are comprised of lipid oil which can be converted into algae biodiesel, and the remaining biological components can be broken down for use as recycled biomass.

How Algae Biodiesel Works (Howstuffworks.com)

BIOETHANOL

Bioethanol is an alcohol made by fermenation of energy crops. The carbohydrates produced in sugar or starch crops, such as corn and sugarcane, are a common source for bioethanol. This however conflicts with food availability, water resource distribution, and may not be entirely sustainable. Cellulosic biomass, derived from non-food plants such as grasses or trees, may help alleviate some of the stress use of bioethanol has placed on food producers. 

Is bioethanol a sustainable energy source? Liao, Wenjie et al. 

Biogas 

Rotting garbage, agricultural and human waste, all release methane gas (landfill gas, or "biogas"). Biogas is produced by breaking down the components of biomass anaerobically. This is done either through fermentation of biodegradable materials, or through use of bacteria capable of anaerobic digestion. Sources for biogas can come from raw materials such as recycled waste, manure, sewage, plant material, and crops. A biogas plant is the term for facility that treats biowaste or energy crops. Biogas is produced as methane and carbon dioxide and, with minor cleanup, can be utilized as fuel for heating, gas, and electricity.

Renewable Natural Gas (Biomethane). (Alternative Fuels Data Center)

"Biomass Magazine Launches New Biogas Producer Map Highlighting On-farm Digesters and Wastewater Treatment Plants." Map | List  "The biogas producer map currently highlights on-farm digesters and wastewater treatment plants that deliver electricity to the grid."

Associations, NonProfits and Grassroots Organizations Renewable Fuels Association Environmental and Energy Studies Institute Institute for Local Self-Reliance New Uses Council Biomass Energy Research Center