Biomass Pros and Cons
In these links you can learn more about biomass and other energies
What is biomass energy? Biomass energy is a form of solar energy. Plants use solar energy during photosynthesis to form energy-rich products such as carbohydrates, starch, sugars, and cellulose.These energy-rich products can be used for heat, electricity, or as a liquid or gaseous fuel. What can be used for biomass energy? Forest residue, mill residue, agriculture residue, land fill gas (methane), ethanol (from corn) and energy crops like fast growing trees such as hybrid poplar and herbaceous crops such as grasses and grains. BIOMASS ENERGY - an organic material that can be converted into energy or into a source of energy - it is made of such waste products as cornstalk, spoiled grain, branches, paper, garbage, and manure - the term biomass also refers to the amount of living material in a specific area - can be converted by burning, by fermentation, or by treatment by chemicals or bacteria - fermentation produces the fuel ethanol - chemical treatment produces such fuels as synthetic gas, methane, and fuel oil - treatment with bacteria yields alcohol s chemicals, or methane - may some day become an important source of energy - most energy today comes from fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas - the burning of these fuels adds to the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere could cause Greenhouse effect - it is a plentiful source of energy and can be replenished - it will not contribute to the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
