Biomass Energy

How it Works  Biomass energy can be used for lighting, cooking, space heating, water heating, refrigeration and to fuel vehicles.  The waste wood and other sources are gathered in big trucks. The waste is then transported to a biomass plant. Here, the waste is fed into furnaces where it is burned. The heat created is used to boil water and the energy from the steam is used to rotate turbines and generators.

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Ann Arbor  Ann Arbor in Michigan says the economic crisis and the collapse of gasoline prices in recent months effectively trampled the prospect of a quick rush into ethanol-fueled vehicles. But British engineering firm Ricardo, which has its North American headquarters in Van Buren Township, is pushing forward with new technology that it says could amplify the fuel efficiency of ethanol engines, making them competitive with diesel engines.

Ethanol  Ethanol - featured in several auto companies' 2008 Detroit auto show announcements - was rarely mentioned at the 2009 show in January. Gasoline prices fluctuated wildly in averaging more than $4 a gallon for weeks before plummeting below $2. Ethanol is a much more attractive option when gasoline prices are high.

Baltimore Maryland  The plant burns municipal solid waste, a fancy name for household trash, to heat boilers which produce steam. The steam is used to provide heating and air conditioning, and to turn a turbine to produce electricity.  The steam from the plant satisfies the heating needs of the city of Baltimore and a large portion of its cooling needs.  The steam from the plant satisfies the heating needs of the city of Baltimore and a large portion of its cooling needs.

Advantages of using Biomass energy  Biomass is abundant and renewable.  It can be used to burn waste products. 

Disadvantages of using biomass energy  Burning biomass can result in air pollution.  Biomass energy may not be cost effective.

Advertisement about biomass energy  Make a creative advertisement/poster on this slide that would encourage someone to choose your alternative.

Sources  List all the URLs of the sites where you found information for your presentation here.  One URL per bullet.