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Biomass Power

Description

The recourses of Biomass Energy consist of wood wastes, agricultural crops and their wastes, municipal wastes, food processing waste and aquatic plants and algae. Industrial and home use consume the most biomass energy. Pulp and paper mills burn their own wood wastes, while homeowners burn wood in their stoves and fireplaces. In the case of Bio-fuels, Biomass can be converted into transportation fuels such as ethanol, methanol, bio-diesel. Bio-fuels are used in pure form or blended with gasoline. Ethanol is made by fermenting biomass in a process similar to brewing beer. The primary source of electricity from biomass is through direct combustion.

The Production of Power from Biomass Energy

Step One: Biomass is burned to produce steam

Step Two: Steam turns a turbine
Step Three: The turbine drives a generator, producing electricity



Advantages of Biomass Power

Disadvantages of Biomass Power
  • Provides a clean, renewable energy source that can improve the environment, economy and energy security.
  • It contributes to global warming.

 

  • It is available throughout the world.
  • It is expensive.

 

  • It has an inexhaustible fuel source.
  • It may contribute to pollution if directly burned.

 

  • It is natural, which is favorable for society.
  • It is a difficult process to produce the energy correctly.
Two Biomass Plants in Canada are White River in Ontario and Dapp in Alberta. These power plants are very important and are necessary for producing biomass energy, the world needs for everyday use. These plants have a smaller population then some others, but they are growing due to the numerous advantages of Biomass energy!

Bibliography

"Biomass Energy" available at http://www.nret.gov/lab/pao/biomassenergy.html/February 19, 2002

 

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