Biomass to Biofuel: An Alternative Energy Option

Biofuels Ethanol - Produced from the fermentation of biomass (sugarcane, corn, crop wastes) Bio-diesel - Produced by transesterfication of rapeseed oil Woody biomass - Produces both electricity and methanol (trees, grasses, scrap lumber)

Electricity Generation From Biomass

Benefits of Biomass Energy Decrease in greenhouse gas emissions Can be a renewable resource Crops can create habitat, increasing biodiversity Environmentally sound energy option for developing nations

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Using Current Technology

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Using Available Technology

Energy Used to Produce Biomass Fuels

Energy Used to Produce Biomass Fuels with Available Technology

Biodiversity Benefits of Biomass Farming Diversity of biomass crops: poplar, cottonwood and eucalyptus trees, numerous grasses and shrub species Increases habitat area Decreases systems dependence on pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers

Important Energy Alternative Provides developing nations with an alternative energy source Allows developing nations to use indigenous resources more efficiently Decreases developing nations dependency on foreign fossil fuels