When many of us consider alternative sources of energy our thoughts often turn to solar or wind power. One option that we sometimes bypass is biomass energy from excess or waste material. This is a pity because biomass energy has been available to us far longer than any other renewable energy source. Indeed, this type of renewable energy is the oldest form of alternative power available to us.

So Just What Is Biomass Energy?

In simple terms this energy is the name for any living material that derives its energy from photosynthesis. For example using the wood from a tree to burn on a fire is an early and simple form of biomass energy. In doing so we harness the energy stored in the wood to provide us with heat for both cooking and warmth.

However the use of biomass  in the 21st century is far more advanced than simply burning logs for a camp fire. The premise though still remains the same, and bio fuels are still burned in order to make use of the energy stored within them. The difference being that today’s technology allows for biomass energy to provide lighting, heating and power for both our homes and businesses.
21st Century Biomass Technologies

There are several different technologies that have been developed to fully utilize our biomass resources. They include:
Direct Combustion:

Direct combustion systems used for  producing energy from biomass  range from small stoves right up to megawatt combined heating and power systems. This technology uses biomass fuels that have a low moisture content and is mainly used as a source of heat although it is also used for the generation of electricity. This is similar to the process for producing biomass energy from waste materials.

Bio-mass Fermentation:

This method is used on sugar producing crops to produce a simple alcohol called ethanol. With the addition of yeast the biomass is then fermented under specific conditions. This is then distilled to produce bio-ethanol which can be used in combustion engines or with petrol to produce gasohol.

Pyrolysis:

This process converts solid biomass to a more versatile liquid fuel known as bio-oil. With a little adjustment this can then be used in existing oil fired burners to produce electricity as well as generate heat. This process also produces a solid fuel by product known as char. This has a high energy content and because it is smokeless is suitable for domestic use.

Biofuel Gasification:

This process involves exposing solid biomass to air and hot steam to produce a biofuel known as synthesis gas. This gas can then be used for producing electricity, heating or converted further as a fossil fuel substitute. Another benefit of this form of biomass energy is that it can transported and stored more easily than its fossil fuel equivalent.

The Benefits Of Biomass Energy

When we use biomass power  from waste there are several benefits over other alternative energy sources. For instance no other type of renewable energy is available in liquid form. This means it can be used for applications where other  sources will simply not work. Indeed this power supply  can be seen as being more versatile than wind or solar power.

Biomass also helps to keep waste out of landfills. It is estimated that up to 70% of the waste put into landfills contains some form of biomass energy. This of course is added to every single day, by using this waste to provide energy instead of further polluting the environment a win win situation could be created.

As mentioned earlier this energy supply has a long track record of success, indeed it is a well-established energy source. It is also an incredibly reliable and renewable form of energy. It provides a consistent supply of energy in much the same way that more traditional fossil fuels do. This means you are not reliant on the sun to shine or the wind to blow in order to be guaranteed your supply.

These advantages to using biomass energy from waste are some of the reasons it is fast becoming many peoples number one source of renewable energy. Indeed by making biomass fuels a part of your overall energy strategy you can help to overcome potential limits being placed on more traditional fuel use and reduce greenhouse gasses and waste.

At the same time you can also go some way to protecting yourself against the ever increasing cost of fossil fuels as the supply and availability becomes more and more limited.