Biomass as Renewable Energy
All around us there is always energy being transformed from one form to the other, light is converted to glucose and oxygen. Even though plants can produce and store energy in the form of sugar without wreaking havoc in the environment we are not as good at producing sustainable and eco-friendly energy. From 1860 to 1990 the total energy consumption in the world has increased almost exponentially (Klass, 1998). We repeatedly hear the imminent end of the fossil fuel era is coming. There is ongoing research in how to change our daily habits and in the development of technologies that will not rely on fossil fuels. Many options have been developed over the years however but few have been implemented. As we have seen over the years change and transition happen slowly and reaching a point where we can survive without using non-renewable sources of energy is not in the horizon. As shown in the graph, petroleum is still the leading source of energy in the United States, while biomass is still third to last in terms of use.
Sourced from: https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/images/2016.07.01/main.png
Plant material as mentioned, is known for its ability to store energy that many organism later on can use for biological processes.Every year tons of plant biomass are produced (Voegele, 2018) as result of human practices. When a timber production operation ends there are scraps of wood left behind, in the past wood burning has been used for energy. The Corn Belt, in the Midwest, is an important corn producing region in the USA. Post-harvest the plant remains are left unused, the energy stored in the form of organic bonds if used properly can be used to produce fuels and power.
Developing countries use more biomass for fuel production than developed countries (Klass, 1998). This is a result of the readily available plant material. Since developing countries are the host of many large agricultural industries, for example palm oil production in Malaysia (Shuit, 2009). Biomass when burnt releases the same amount of carbon dioxide as burning fossil fuels which for many is a set back. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, however, burning this material brings back to the environment carbon dioxide that was previously captured through photosynthesis and has recently been part of the carbon cycle. Fossil fuels, on the other hand, are made out of carbon molecules that were sequestered millions of years ago and have not participated in the carbon cycle for a long time.
This website is dedicated to the discussion and description of biomass and its uses to produce energy.
Developing countries use more biomass for fuel production than developed countries (Klass, 1998). This is a result of the readily available plant material. Since developing countries are the host of many large agricultural industries, for example palm oil production in Malaysia (Shuit, 2009). Biomass when burnt releases the same amount of carbon dioxide as burning fossil fuels which for many is a set back. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, however, burning this material brings back to the environment carbon dioxide that was previously captured through photosynthesis and has recently been part of the carbon cycle. Fossil fuels, on the other hand, are made out of carbon molecules that were sequestered millions of years ago and have not participated in the carbon cycle for a long time.
This website is dedicated to the discussion and description of biomass and its uses to produce energy.