OA2.1 Understand energy and its conservation OA2.1.2 Explain the effects of various forms of energy on the environment (Biomass energy)

Energy from Biomass

Creates electricity, fuel and heat Word Definition Picture Biomass – organic material made from living things = ENERGY Biomass Energy Renewable resource Creates electricity, fuel and heat

Uses of biomass: Burning wood for heat Can use scrap wood, old wood, recycled wood from houses or construction Energy from Garbage Garbage, often called municipal solid can be collected and burned to create heat or electricity Helps dispose of the waste of 40 million people.

Uses of biomass: Energy from Landfills Decomposing trash creates gas (biogas) Biogas (methane) is used for heating

Uses of biomass: Energy from Alcohol fuels Create ethanol and biodiesel from sugar plants used in cars and other vehicles added to natural gas to cut down on use of fossil fuels Biodiesel is obtained from biomass which is a low-net- carbon fuel for vehicles.

Benefits of biomass energy MOST Renewable energy – easily replaced Far less dangerous emissions than fossil fuels Carbon dioxide output = input = no greenhouse gases added to environment Can easily replace fossil fuels Greenhouse gas friendly

Benefits of biomass energy Would not depend on other countries for fuel Towns can reuse and recycle their garbage in waste-to-energy plants and create electricity You can grow biomass on land that is not suitable for food crops Collection of biogas…creates heat and electricity Ethanol in gas = less fossil fuels

Problems with biomass energy Burning waste = pollution = expensive scrubbers on smoke stacks to prevent pollution Disposal of ash? Which might have heavy metals = bad for environment Some gases (if released in atmosphere) can destroy the ozone layer – layer that keeps out harmful UV radiation The process of extraction of biomass is very expensive. The accumulation, harvesting and storage of raw biomass materials is quite expensive compared to that of fossil fuels. The set up of a biomass power plant requires huge space and the recycling of wastes requires a large amount of water. Another biomass energy disadvantage is that the ethanol produced during the process, may increase the levels of nitrogen oxide in the atmosphere.

What do you think? List some pros to biomass power? List some cons to biomass power? Which do you think is better….Biomass or Solar?