jeudi 30 janvier 2014

Biomass Solutions For Solving Energy Problems

By Serena Price


The fact is that biomass is the ultimate renewable energy source. As long as people continue growing and manufacturing their food, they will actually have enough sources for supplying all their energetic needs. The term is used for both animal and vegetable derived material, although people usually think only about vegetable sources. In fact, there are enough biomass solutions for solving all existing energy problems today.

All kinds of materials can be used to generate this renewable form of energy. This includes all types of agricultural and non-agricultural residues and matter. And so many things usually get wasted, and they could be so easily transformed into a real, live energy. This includes different industry waste as well, for example paper or textile industry waste.

Energy crops is a name for all plants that are grown only to be used in production of energy. Some are used as food crops as well, for example sugar cane and maize. Sunflower and other oil crops are great for producing bio fuels. Besides, after being digested by animals on the farm, all these crops will be transformed into valuable methanol, and used for heating, for example.

A part of solid municipal waste could also be used. Forestry waste such as wheat straw and wood bark, together with food manufacturing waste, are great sources for production of electricity, for example. There are so many things that can be put in a good use, and people still don't use them as they should, Waste can become valuable energy, and that's a fast.

Another very important thing about biomass is that this is a low carbon fuel source, and it won't contribute to global pollution as some other fuels do. It can be burned to generate heat or electricity, converted into liquid bio fuel or even bio plastic and different bio chemicals. Besides, digested by animals, agricultural biomass is easily transformed into methane.

Most fossil fuels are expensive. They have to be transported on long distances, and there are limited reserves of all these fuels. They all emit high carbon dioxide levels, especially coal. Coal is still quite cheap, even cheaper than using bio fuels, but really pollutes the air. On the other hand, most crops are grown locally, and easy accessible. The costs are additionally lowered thanks to that.

Although biomass from plants and vegetation also emits carbon dioxide when burned, it is still considered as carbon neutral or low carbon source. During the next crop cycle, all this carbon dioxide will be absorbed by plants, and transformed into nutrients and energy again. This repetitive cycle of absorption and release is possible thanks to the process of photosynthesis. The level of carbon emissions depends on the growth method. Using sustainable growth methods lowers these levels considerably.

Considering the fact that natural gas and oil reserves are limited, biomass solutions become more important. With lower expenses and unlimited supply, this green and renewable energy source is absolutely needed today. The only problem with agricultural waste is that it is seasonal, and reliability of supply is uncertain. This problem is solved using dedicated energy crops such as perennial grasses. These fast growing grasses are easily grown in areas unsuitable for food crops.




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