Biomass
Biomass as an energy source refers to biological material which is either grown for the purpose or the waste resulting from an agricultural or industrial process.
Crops can be grown for use as fuel or to be converted to a different form for use as fuel.
The production of ethanol from corn is an example of the second usage.
Waste wood from construction or forest operations can be burned or converted to fuel.
Likewise garbage can be burned or converted to fuel.
Garbage in landfills produces methane gas which can be collected and used.
The main advantage of biomass is that it reduces our dependence on foreign energy supplies.
In the case of wood waste and garbage, utilization of this resource for energy production reduces the need for landfill space.
The use of biomass for energy production does nothing to reduce greenhouse gases.
The fuels in question are all carbon based and their burning pumps large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
For instance, dry wood is approximately fifty per cent carbon by weight.
The diversion of cropland from food production to energy production can cause food prices to rise.
The extraction of fuel from biomass requires an input of energy from fossil fuels, with the production of ethanol from corn being one of the worst in this regard.
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