Biomass Energy

The Union of Concerned Scientists have published a very knowledgeable article on biomass energy, titled "How Biomass Energy Works".

The article research focused on explaining on how biomass energy is generated and the different types of sources to generate biomass energy. The content of the article is divided into 4 main headings - Types of biomass, converting biomass into energy, potential for biomass energy in future and environment benefits.

Below are some of the interesting sections from the articles:

"Biomass is a renewable energy source because the energy it contains comes from the sun. Through the process of photosynthesis, chlorophyll in plants captures the sun's energy by converting carbon dioxide from the air and water from the ground into carbohydrates, complex compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. When these carbohydrates are burned, they turn back into carbon dioxide and water and release the sun's energy they contain. In this way, biomass functions as a sort of natural battery for storing solar energy. As long as biomass is produced sustainable-with only as much used as is grown-the battery will last indefinitely."

This means that biomass is a non exhausting source of energy which is generated by solar energy. Due to the process of photosynthesis the green pigment in plants called as chlorophyll converts the CO2 from air into carbohydrates and other complex compounds. This means that biomass is like a storage tank for solar energy which will last indefinitely.

The article goes on to mention different types of biomass-
» Energy Crops which includes tress, grasses, other crops & oil plants
» Biomass Residues which includes forestry, agriculture and waster generated in cities

There is also a comprehensive discussion on how biomass is converted into energy. 3 major methods are used Thermochemical - where plant is heated but not burnt, Biochemical - where bacteria is used to breakdown biomass to generate methane and carbon dioxide and Chemical - where biomass oils such as soybean is chemically converted into liquid fuel similar to diesel.