Biomass is a renewable energy source from plants, animals, and other organic matter that can be naturally renewed or refreshed on a human timescale.

For example, biomass materials such as crops and trees can be repeatedly replanted and grown again. When grown and harvested responsibly, biomass energy can be both renewable and sustainable.

Is biomass energy sustainable?

Biomass energy can be carbon neutral, but this depends on the processes used to harness the energy source.

If resources are not managed properly, such as through overharvesting or deforestation, and trees or crops are not replanted, then that particular system would be not be sustainable. Responsible land use practices are necessary to ensure that biomass energy does negate itself.

Does biomass energy release carbon into the atmosphere?

Yes, biomass energy releases carbon dioxide (CO₂) when organic materials like wood, crops, or waste are burned or decomposed to produce energy.

However, the carbon released is part of the natural carbon cycle because the plants absorbed CO₂ while they were growing. Burning biomass fuels can release other greenhouse gases such as:

Methane (CH₄)

• Biomass decomposition in anaerobic conditions (e.g., landfills) can release methane, a potent greenhouse gas
• Methane emissions are often managed by capturing and converting it into energy (e.g., biogas)

Nitrous Oxide (N₂O):

• May be emitted during biomass combustion or through fertilizer use in growing biomass crops

How to manage biomass greenhouse gas emissions

It’s certainly possible for biomass energy to be carbon-neutral or have a lower carbon footprint compared to fossil fuels if managed properly.

Some greenhouse gas management strategies include:

Sustainable harvesting

Sustainable harvesting practices ensure that biomass is replaced with new growth to absorb the CO₂ released during combustion. It’s important to prevent deforestation by replanting trees or using agricultural waste instead of dedicated crops.

Efficient combustion technology

Efficient combustion technology such as gasification or pyrolysis can be used to optimize energy output and minimize emissions.

There are also pollution control devices that can be deployed to reduce particulates and other greenhouse gases when burning biomass fuels.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS)

Capturing CO₂ emissions from biomass power plants and storing it underground or using it in industrial processes can make biomass energy “carbon-negative.”

Lifecycle assessments

Lifecycle assessments should be conducted to ensure that biomass supply chain emissions from production, transportation, and processing are minimized to their fullest extent.

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Biomass energy refers to the process of generating power by burning renewable organic matter from plants and animals.

The way we produce and consume energy around the world is changing. As we transition away from traditional fossil fuels like coal and oil, biomass fuel is emerging as a renewable choice for more sustainable electricity generation.

But what is biomass energy, how is it generated, and what is it typically used for? Let’s take a closer look.

Examples of biomass resources

Biomass energy harnesses renewable organic matter from plants and animals to generate power. Source examples include:

• Wood waste like logs, sawdust, wood pellets, and wood chips. 
• Crop residues like corn and cotton stalks, rice and wheat straw, and sugarcane bagasse. 
• Animal waste from livestock. 
• Municipal solid waste from residential, industrial, and commercial properties.
• Algae and some aquatic plants.
• Dedicated energy crops like switchgrass and miscanthus.
• Biodegradable matter like food scraps and yard waste.
• Trees and plants with rapid growth cycles.
• Industrial waste like pulp from paper mills.
• Green waste from landscaping and gardening activities.

Because many sources listed in this biomass energy definition can be replenished through natural processes without human involvement, there should be no confusion over whether biomass is renewable or nonrenewable. Plus, the fact that human endeavors can create even more biomass from which to extract stored chemical energy makes it an even more attractive and viable alternative to burning fossil fuels. 

Why is biomass renewable energy such a game-changer? Because it can be turned directly into heat, converted to electricity, or processed to make transportation fuels.

How does biomass energy work?

Let’s start with the obvious question: How is biomass energy generated from organic materials? 

The conversion of mass to various other forms is typically accomplished using one of four distinct methods

Burning

Burning, also known as direct combustion, involves the direct burning of organic materials (such as wood, agricultural waste, and other biological substances) to convert biomass and generate heat. The heat produced is then used to boil water, creating steam that drives turbines to generate electricity. Direct firing has been used to create heat for industrial processes and generate steam-powered turbines. 

Thermal conversion

Whereas burning is typically used to convert any given biomass energy source into heat, thermal conversion focuses on the production of solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels using one of the following methods: 

• Pyrolysis: Unlike regular burning, pyrolysis involves a decomposition process where biomass is heated without oxygen, causing the organic materials to break down into bioenergy products like liquid bio-oil, charcoal, hydrogen, and methane gas. 

• Hydrotreating: Hydrotreating is essentially a faster version of pyrolysis. It is achieved by adding hydrogen and elevating the temperature and pressure. This process refines the original biomass fuel into renewable versions of liquid fuels like diesel, gasoline, and jet fuel. 

• Gasification: Gasification is a controlled process involving heat, steam, and oxygen that converts biomass energy sources into a gaseous mixture known as syngas – a mixture of hydrogen and carbon dioxide. Syngas represents a clean alternative to burning fossil fuels to generate electricity, heat, and fuel for diesel engines. 

Biochemical conversion

Biochemical conversion utilizes microorganisms like bacteria and yeast to break down renewable biomass fuels into bio-based products, usually via fermentation. The sugars derived from the original biomass sources are converted into biofuels like ethanol, which can be used to fuel vehicles. 

Chemical conversion

This type of conversion involves the use of chemical reactions to transform biomass energy sources into other chemicals, materials, and advanced biofuels like biodiesel. Chemical conversion processes are diverse and offer a range of possibilities for creating high-value products from relatively low-value biomass feedstocks like vegetable oils, animal fats, and greases.

The future of biomass energy

What is biomass energy going to do for global energy in years to come? Bioenergy is the largest source of renewable energy in the world — making up 55% of renewable energy and over 6% of the global energy supply — and usage increased an average of 3% per year between 2010 and 2022.

The evolution of biomass energy has seen impressive advancements, from edible crops to more sophisticated options like biogas digesters and bioethanol. 

However, biomass energy often requires purpose-grown plants and trees, raising concerns about land use and sustainability. To secure its future, careful governance and responsible management are essential. A 2021 European report indicated that future biomass demand may outstrip supply, emphasizing the need to prioritize high-value uses and scenarios where biomass plays a pivotal role in achieving a net-zero economy.

In the coming years, biomass energy will continue to evolve, with a focus on large-scale sustainable production, efficient supply chains, and expanding markets. As we strive to reduce our carbon footprint and transition towards renewable energy sources, biomass energy remains a critical contributor. However, it’s yet to be seen how technological advancements and evolving policies will play out to ensure its stability and sustainability as a long-term market solution. 

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Benefits of biomass energy

There are several positive attributes to the use of biomass for power generation, including the renewable nature of course materials, the focus on carbon neutrality goals, waste reduction, and job creation. 

1. Renewable

Once depleted, it’s impossible to replace fossil fuels like coal and oil. In contrast, the organic materials used in biomass conversion can be continually grown and harvested, presenting more viable longterm energy possibilities.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), renewable energy already accounts for about 21% of total U.S. electricity generation and is set to contribute to 80% of new power generation by 2030.

2. Carbon neutral potential

When new biomass is grown to replace harvested materials, it absorbs a comparable amount of carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. Experts believe biomass can reduce greenhouse gas output by up to 90%.

This equilibrium results in a close-to-closed carbon loop, making biomass energy a potentially carbon-neutral option when managed efficiently. 

3. Waste reduction and utilization

Food waste alone in the US adds up to nearly 60 million tons annually. Biomass energy can utilize these organic materials along with agricultural residues and forestry by-products, mitigating the need for more resource-heavy waste disposal methods like landfill sites.

However, the burning of biomass that could be used elsewhere, such as fertilization, doesn’t pose as much of a net positive.

4. Job creation

From cultivating and harvesting biomass materials and the operation and maintenance of biomass power plants to the development of new biomass-related technologies and research initiatives, the potential for job creation across various stages of the supply chain is diverse.

There are currently nearly 50,000 biomass-related energy jobs in the US, with continued growth expected. 

Drawbacks of biomass energy

Despite its abundant nature, biomass energy is not without its drawbacks, prompting a critical examination of the following environmental and societal implications.

1. Land use and deforestation

The need for large-scale cultivation to secure ample biomass renewable energy resources raises viable concerns about land use and deforestation. Plus, some biomass crops produce only 500 to 1000 liters of biodiesel fuel per hectare, meaning life-cycle production and transport emissions may ultimately exceed those of traditional fossil fuels. 

2. Competition with food production

Striking a balance between bioenergy production and food security requires careful consideration. As the global demand for bioenergy crops rises, competition for arable land intensifies, potentially encroaching on areas traditionally used for food production, leading to challenges in food security. 

3. Air pollution

Converting biomass by burning releases carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, contributing to air pollution.

The adverse effects on public health could be significant. For example, in Europe, it’s estimated that biomass smoke contributes to at least 40,000 premature deaths per year, as well as negatively affecting respiratory and cardiovascular health.

4. Resource intensive

The production, transportation, and utilization of biomass energy require substantial amounts of water, fertilizers, and energy. So much so, that it may counterbalance the perceived environmental benefits, putting the net benefits of biopower under scrutiny. 

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