Aisha Clark Patricia Deans Kevin Woo Biomass Aisha Clark Patricia Deans Kevin Woo

How is electricity produced using biomass energy? Biomass is made from organic material, garbage, or gas. Biomass is burned to produce steam, which power generators to create electricity. Biofuel is a byproduct of biomass and is an alternative to the nonrenewable fuels used in vehicles. Vegetable oils, ethanol, and even algae are used to create biofuels.

Biofuel Types Biodiesel Ethanol Created from a lipid, such as oil and animal fat, and ethanol, biodiesel is a low emission alternative to regular diesel fuel. Ethanol A common alcohol made up of fermented sugars and starches.

Advantages Reduces need for fossil fuels Is a renewable resource. Adds value to agricultural crop. Growing Biomass crops produce oxygen and use up carbon dioxide.

Disadvantages Agricultural wastes will not be available if the basic crop is no longer grown. Additional work is needed in areas such as harvesting methods. Is in some cases is a major cause of pollution. Land used for energy crops maybe in demand for other purposes

What is carbon neutral? Carbon neutral means to counter carbon emissions with useful byproducts, or through purchasing carbon credits. Biofuels emit carbon dioxide, but its emission was countered by the process by which it was created. The gas is used in photosynthesis in plants; the same plants are used to create biofuel, creating a cycle.

Which crop does the U.S. use to create ethanol? It can be made from very common crops such as sugar cane, potato, manioc and maize. Because of its high oil yield, oil palm is highly effective. The U.S. should consider using other crops mainly because there are alternatives.