Biomass Energy
organic matter from plants and animals (microorganisms). Photosynthesis is the name process that stores the energy from sunlight in plants. Animals get this energy through eating the plants. Waste such as crops, manure and garbage are all excellent sources of biomass fuel. Biomass has a wide array of uses such as directly as heat or to generate electricity with a steam turbine. Biomass can also be used to make methane gas, biodiesel and other biofuels.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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Renewable
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Biomass is a part of the carbon cycle. Carbon from the atmosphere is absorbed into plants during photosynthesis and when the plant decays or is burnt that carbon goes back into the atmosphere.
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Energy harnessed from biomass is inexpensive compared to coal and oil. Typically they cost about 1/3 less than fossil fuels doing the same job.
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Biomass is available in large quantities all over the world. Large pipelines across country borders and oceans are therefore most likely not necessary.
Cons
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Extraction of biomasses can be expensive.
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We need big areas for all the different processes that are required in harnessing energy from biomass. The areas that are needed for storing can be particular large.