Introduction to Biomass Energy

• Biomass is renewable organic matter from plants and animals, used as a fuel/energy source.
• Biomass can be converted into heat, electricity, and liquid fuels.

Definition and Examples

• Biomass is organic material from living organisms, mainly plants and animals, used as a renewable energy source.
• Examples of biomass include wood, wood residues, energy crops, agricultural residues like straw, and organic waste.
• Biomass differs from fossil fuels because it is a renewable resource capable of regeneration or replenishment.
• Biomass stores chemical energy from the sun, captured by plants via photosynthesis.

Uses of Biomass

• Biomass serves in energy production and can be burned for heat or converted into liquid and gaseous fuels.
• Biomass can generate electricity through direct combustion or co-firing with fossil fuels.
• Biomass can be processed into biofuels like ethanol or biodiesel, for transportation.
• Other applications of biomass include industrial processes and as a feedstock for materials and chemicals.

Types of Biomass Feedstocks

• Agricultural Residues: Straw, stalks, hulls, etc.
• Forestry Residues: Wood chips, bark, etc.
• Energy Crops: Purpose-grown crops like switchgrass or algae.
• Municipal Solid Waste: Organic waste.
• Industrial Waste: Byproducts from food processing, paper production, etc.

Benefits of Using Biomass

• Biomass serves as a renewable energy source, decreasing reliance on fossil fuels.
• Biomass usage leads to waste reduction of byproducts from agriculture and industry.
• Biomass energy may be carbon neutral, with carbon released during combustion equaling carbon absorbed during plant growth.
• Biomass energy projects stimulate rural economies and create jobs.
• Biomass usage can reduce air pollution compared to burning fossil fuels.

Additional Key Points

• Biomass was the largest source of total annual U.S. energy consumption until the mid-1800s.
• Biomass represents the single largest supply of carbon on Earth, and is a sustainable source for petroleum-based products.
• In Western Australia, farmers produce over 10 million tonnes of waste biomass yearly, much of which is not utilized commercially.
• Biomass consists of matter from recently living organisms used for bioenergy production.