Biomass
Biomass
11/25/2010
© ANP/AFP
Biomass is energy stored inside organic matter in the form of sugar, oil or starch; produced by photosynthesis from water, mineral salts, and CO2.
Whether originating from forestry, farming, industry or households, biomass has conventional uses and unconventional uses (electricity production, biofuels, fuels, and bioplastics). It is a renewable energy source because the plants used can grow again. Moreover, although cultivating, transporting, and converting plants generates greenhouse gases (GHG), burning them only releases the CO2 accumulated during the growing period.
Biomass therefore appears to be environmentally-friendly. However, fuel made from biomass only recovers 1-3% of the solar energy plants receive during the growing period. This is low-yield considering the large amounts of water and huge land areas required to cultivate the plants, added to the risk of competing with land use for growing food.
Faced with these economic, environmental, and social challenges, the development of biomass is dependent on technological progress. Industry partners and scientists are currently conducting innovative and promising research projects to this end.
Biomass
by La Recherche
Every two months, this booklet by La Recherche offers an understanding of the technological, economic and environmental challenges in the energy sector.
Wood energy
Wood is a fuel that has been used since prehistoric times and is now finding new industrial and domestic applications.
Biofuels
Biofuels are made from agricultural crops or organic waste of various origins. Manufacturers need to ensure that making them does not use up more energy than they provide and to reduce the greenhouse gases associated with producing and consuming them as much as possible.
