Biomass is renewable organic material that derives chemical energy from photosynthesis. Biomass can be burned directly for heat or converted to liquid and gaseous fuels through various processes. In 2022, biomass accounted for nearly 5% of United States total primary energy consumption and in many developing countries, biomass is an important source of fuel for cooking and heating[1].
Biomass can be converted to energy to form solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels through direct combustion, thermochemical conversion, and biological conversions. Of these methods, direct combustion produces the most useful energy. However, all biomasses can be burned directly to heat buildings and aid in the industrial heat process[2].
Sources for Biomass:
- Wood processing waste: firewood, wood pellets, wood chips, black liquor from pulp and paper mills;
- Agricultural crops and waste materials: corn, soybeans, sugar cane, switchgrass, woody plants, algae, and crop and food processing residues, mostly to produce biofuels;
- Biogenic materials in municipal solid waste: paper products; cotton and wool products; and food, yard, and wood wastes;
- Animal manure and human sewage for producing biogas (renewable natural gas).
Algal Fuel
Futuristically, researchers cite algae as a great source for biomass energy. Algae produces energy through photosynthesis at a much quicker rate than any other biofuel feedstock. Algae can also be grown in ocean water and therefore does not reduce arable land that could grow food crops. Overall, although algae releases carbon dioxide when it is burned, it can be replenished as a living organism[3].
Biomass Initiatives
The United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Department of Energy’s Office of Biomass programs continues to provide grant funding for biofuels and bio-based projects through a myriad of incentives and tax credits[4]. Additional information can also be found on the Biomass Research & Development website. Overall, the Biomass Research & Development Board is a collaborative effort of eight federal government agencies who aim to promote the use of biofuels, bioproducts, and biopower for a stronger bioeconomy.
Great Debate on Biomass as an Energy Source
New York continues to be a leading state in the biomass debate. In 2022, Senate Bill 8360 was created to determine the viability of using biomass as an energy source to power Fort Drum. Upon introduction, this bill was referred to the Energy and Telecommunications Committee. Recently, in August, New York ruled that biomass is not recognized as a source of renewable energy and the facility was shut down[5]. This bill represents the issue at heart, is biomass considered a renewable energy source?
Policymakers continue to work through the potential of biomass as an energy source. Some scientists have promoted the production of biofuels to address climate change and improve energy security, while other question its impact to environmental quality. Going forward it is key that public policy distinguishes biofuels in terms of their impacts on carbon emissions and air pollution.
[1] Biomass Explained, (U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2023).
[2] Biofuels: Growing towards sustainability, (University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 2023).
[3] Biomass Energy, (National Geographic, 2023).
[4] Alternative Fuels Data Center, (U.S. Department of Energy, 2023).
[5] Biomass plant’s closure takes toll on logging industry, (7 News WWNYTV, 2023).