Consider biomass as the less flashy but more reliable cousin of wind and solar energy in the family of renewable energies. Simply put, biomass is organic material that is renewable and comes from both plants and animals, and can be used to produce energy. Agricultural crops and waste products, animal manure, and human sewage are all examples of biomass sources of energy. Wood and waste products from the processing of wood are another.
Humans have been using biomass energy in the form of wood fires for warmth and cooking since the beginning of time. Currently, a variety of biomass energy sources are being thoroughly investigated for their potential contribution to a future without carbon emissions. In the next 20 years, it is expected that modern bioenergy consumption, which currently makes up over 6% of the world’s energy supply, will double.
Biomass is the Largest Form of Renewable Energy in Europe
The most common renewable energy source in Europe is actually biomass, despite the popularity of solar, wind, and hydropower. Biomass is frequently used in Central Europe and Scandinavia for heating purposes.
The only renewable alternatives to fossil fuel-burning heating systems, such as oil or gas, are biomass and effective heat pumps. Since only low-temperature heating systems, such as underfloor heating) a biomass heating system very often is the best solution.
Biomass is Not New
Humans have used biomass energy since the beginning of time (and probably even earlier). In its simplest form, biomass is the process of creating heat through the burning of any type of biofuel, including wood or plant matter. Recent developments in technology have merely improved biomass, making it more effective, stable, and carbon neutral.
Today, managed and sustainable forest stock is used most frequently to produce biomass fuel. The forest is maintained by replanting each tree that is cut down, which keeps it healthy and productive. At factories and wood processing facilities, it is also made from waste wood. The fuel is made to burn at a steady, predictable, and constant output because it is compressed into pellets.
It is Hugely Renewable and Sustainable
There is the potential to produce billions of tons of biofuels annually around the world by using plant and wood waste as biomass fuels (for instance, during agricultural harvesting or even sewage sludge).
Consequently, biofuel has the potential to quickly establish itself as a reliable and practically endless source of energy for the entire planet.
Great for Off-gas-grid Locations
Typically, the only heating options available to establishments and homes in rural areas are an oil tank and an oil boiler. Biomass, however, can offer a workable and environmentally friendly solution. Additionally, biomass is eligible for the government’s incentive program for renewable heat.
This implies that those residences and businesses that use biomass may profit from a fee paid per kWh that their boiler produces. Within five years of installation, biomass boilers typically pay for themselves through RHI payments and lower energy costs.
Currently, Only 4% of Europe’s Energy Needs Are Supplied by Biomass
Currently, biomass energy production provides 4% of Europe’s total energy needs. Consequently, it has a long way to go before it becomes a commonplace source of energy.
The advantages of biomass are gradually becoming more and more clear on a global scale; it has a particularly high potential for power supply in developing nations. We anticipate the same to occur in the UK as well as increased global awareness.
Ethanol Producers
With a production of 16 billion gallons in just 2017, the United States is the largest ethanol producer in the world. Together with the United States, Brazil, and the United States produce 85% of the world’s ethanol. Brazil is the second-largest producer. As we discussed earlier, the majority of this ethanol comes from biomass.
Carbon Neutral
Since it can sequester carbon, biomass has the potential to become carbon neutral. While some carbon is released by biomass, if it is used properly, it can store carbon when new biomass crops are grown. This gives biomass a significant advantage over other renewable energy sources as well as non-renewable energy sources like fossil fuels that are unable to quickly store carbon.
Less Pollution
Compared to other currently used resources like coal, biomass has a significantly lower pollution footprint. In comparison to other resources, nitrogen, sulfur, and mercury emissions are significantly lower. This implies that there is less likelihood that biomass will contribute to the creation of smog or acid rain.
Growing Importance of Biomass
As a source of energy for the planet, biomass is becoming more and more crucial. This is large because of the planet’s growing population, which has led to an exponential rise in energy demand and the ongoing depletion of fossil fuels and other non-renewable energy sources. Biomass has become a valuable resource as a result of the ongoing demand for a more environmentally friendly method of energy production in light of the growing threat posed by climate change.
Electricity and Heating
Methane, one of the fuels that can be produced from biomass and used to power and heat homes, is one of the fuels that it produces. People may be able to move away from the conventional methods of producing electricity, such as fossil fuels, by using biomass as a source of both electricity and heat.
Use of Wood Pellets in Biomass
Biomass materials like wood pellets are frequently used. Currently, Drax Biomass, which has its headquarters in Atlanta, is the industry’s top wood pellet manufacturer. 1.5 million tons of wood pellets are produced annually by Drax Biomass’s three wood pellet plants.
Many Diverse Sources
Given that the term “biomass” broadly refers to materials made from either plants or animals, there are a variety of sources at our disposal that can be used to generate energy. These included agricultural waste, human waste, dead trees, dead plants, dead sugarcane, and animal manure.
The Bottom Line: Renewable and Sustainable
We currently use biomass as one of the renewable energy sources. A type of energy resource called biomass converts plant and animal materials and their byproducts into energy. This energy can be used to produce electricity or heat for homes or factories. Since animals and plants can eventually replenish their stock, biomass is regarded as a renewable energy source that can be used repeatedly to generate energy.
These details ought to help you comprehend biomass and its potential uses better. Please contact us right away if you need more details.