Biomass Uses : how to turn waste into a source of energy?
5 min read
, , biofuels: is a source of energy.
What Is Biomass?
In the field of energy, biomass is any organic matter that can be converted into heat, electricity or biofuels.
It can take the form of forest residues like wood, sawdust or bark household or industrial waste agricultural residues like straw, trees or manure or specific agricultural crops like sugar cane, beet or rapeseed.
How do you turn biomass into energy?
Produce heat = combustion
Example: A wood-burning heating system.
Produce electricity = combustion
Example: A waste-to-energy plant.
Produce biofuels =
Ethanol can be made by the alcoholic fermentation of glucose or starch. Both of these substances are found in sugar cane and beet.
Produce biofuels =
Biomass is broken down by
, creating
. It can also be converted into liquid hydrocarbons.
Biomass could cover 10% of the world’s energy needs.
Disadvantages of biomass
- All forms of combustion release nitrogen oxide and microparticles.
- It costs a lot to transport and convert the materials.
- The energy yield can be quite low.
- It takes up arable land otherwise used by the agri-food industry, causing food prices to rise.
Advantages of biomass
- It is carbon neutral and fully renewable.
- It plays a role in and destroying waste.
- It can create jobs.
In short:
- Biomass = organic matter convertible into energy.
- Heat and electricity = production by combustion.
- Biofuels = production by fermentation or methanation.
- Disadvantages:
- Air pollution
- High costs
- Low energy yield
- Competition with agri-food - Advantages:
- Carbon neutral
- 100% renewable
- Waste treatment
- Job creation
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