Aaaa

DON MOEN LYRICS
"River Of Love"
Thirsty for more you

More of your Spirit and truth
Wash me from all my sin
Fill me with your Spirit again
You're the river of love

Flowing with the grace and mercy
Flooding my soul
Filling my heart with peace
O river of love
Like streams in the desert
Giver of life
Giving your life and love
To set me free
Heal me and I'll be healed

Save me and I will be saved
You've filled me with songs of praise
Forever I will sing of your grace

Flooding my soul
O river of love
Giver of life
To set me free
If anyone is thirsty let him come on in

When you drink the living water
You will never thirst again

Flooding my soul
O river of love
Giver of life

Flooding my soul
O river of love
Giver of life
To set me free

To set me free
To set me free
"I Give Myself Away"
[Chorus x2:]
I give myself away
I give myself away
So You can use me
I give myself away
I give myself away
So You can use me
[Verse 1:]
Here I am
Here I stand
Lord, my life is in your hands
Lord, I'm longing to see
Your desires revealed in me
[Chorus:]
I give myself away
I give myself away
So You can use me
I give myself away
I give myself away
So You can use me
[Verse 2:]
Take my heart
Take my life
As a living sacrifice
All my dreams all my plans
Lord I place them in your hands
[Chorus x2:]
I give myself away
I give myself away
So You can use me
I give myself away
I give myself away
So You can use me
[Bridge x7:]
My life is not my own
To you I belong
I give myself, I give myself to you
https://www.youtube.coEnergy
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about the scalar physical quantity. For an overview of and topical guide to energy,
see Outline of energy. For other uses, see Energy (disambiguation).
"Energetic" redirects here. For other uses, see Energetic (disambiguation).
This lead needs additional citations for verification. Please

help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Un
material may be challenged and removed. (September 2016)(Learn ho
when to remove this template message)
The Sun is the source of energy for most of life on Earth. It derives its energy mainly from nuclear fusion in its
core and releases it into space mainly in the form ofradiant (light) energy.
In physics, energy is the property that must be transferred to an object in order to perform work on
or to heat the object, and can be converted in form, but not created or destroyed.[note 1] The SI
unit of energy is the joule, which is the energy transferred to an object by the mechanical work of
moving it a distance of 1 metre against a force of 1 newton.
Common energy forms include the kinetic energy of a moving object, the potential energy stored by
an object's position in a force field (gravitational, electric or magnetic), the elastic energy stored by
stretching solid objects, the chemical energy released when a fuel burns, the radiant energy carried
by light, and the thermal energy due to an object's temperature.
Mass and energy are closely related. Due to massenergy equivalence, any object that has mass
when stationary in a frame of reference (called rest mass) also has an equivalent amount of energy
whose form is called rest energy in that frame, and any additional energy acquired by the object
above that rest energy will increase an object's mass. For example, with a sensitive enough scale,
one could measure an increase in mass after heating an object.
Living organisms require available energy to stay alive, such as the energy humans get from food.
Civilisation gets the energy it needs from energy resources such as fossil fuels, nuclear fuel,
or renewable energy. The processes of Earth's climate and ecosystem are driven by the radiant
energy Earth receives from the sun and the geothermal energy contained within the earth.
Contents
[hide]
1Defining
2Forms
3History
4Units of measure
5Scientific use
o 5.1Classical mechanics
o 5.2Chemistry
o 5.3Biology
o 5.4Earth sciences
o 5.5Cosmology
o 5.6Quantum mechanics
o 5.7Relativity
6Transformation
o 6.1Conservation of energy and mass in transformation
o 6.2Reversible and non-reversible transformations
7Conservation of energy
8Energy transfer
o 8.1Closed systems
o 8.2Open systems
9Thermodynamics
o 9.1Internal energy
o 9.2First law of thermodynamics
o 9.3Equipartition of energy
10See also
11Notes
12References
13Further reading
14External links
Defining
Because energy exists in many interconvertible forms, and yet can't be created or destroyed, its
measurement may be equivalently "defined" and quantified via its transfer or conversions into
various forms that may be found to be convenient or pedagogic or to facilitate accurate
measurement; for example by energy transfer in the form of work (as measured via forces and
acceleration) or heat (as measured via temperature changes of materials) or into particular forms
such as kinetic (as measured via mass and speed) or by its equivalent mass.
What is energy?
Physicists, who are scientists who study force, motion and energy, say that energy is
the ability to do work, and work is moving something against a force, like gravity.
There are a lot of different kinds of energy in the universe, and that energy can do
different things.
Energy can be found in many things, and takes many forms. There is a kind of energy
called kinetic energy in objects that are moving. There is something that scientists call
potential energy in objects at rest that will make them move if resistance is removed.
The molecules making up all matter contains a huge amount of energy, as Einstein's E
= mc^2 pointed out to us. Energy can also travel in the form of electromagnetic
waves, such as heat, light, radio, and gamma rays. Your body is using metabolic
energy from your last meal as you read this.
Fossil fuels are sources of energy that have developed within the earth over millions of years.
Because fossil fuels - oil, natural gas, and coal - take so long to form, they are considered
nonrenewable. Learn more about these fuels, including the pros and cons of using them.
Fossil Fuels
What comes to your mind when you think of fuel? You might think of gasoline for your car, or maybe
food, which is fuel for your body, possibly firewood, which may provide heat for your home. The
bottom line is that fuel is an absolutely necessary part of everyone's daily life. And, deep within our
Earth, there are stores of fuel that our world has become totally dependent on. They are called fossil
fuels, and in this lesson, we will explore how they came about and how they affect our lives.
You have undoubtedly heard of fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas. These are the three main
types offossil fuels. You rely on fossil fuels every day for such tasks as fueling your car and heating
your home. And, it's very likely that the electricity in your home comes from a power plant that uses
fossil fuels. But, did you know that these fuels were once plant and animal life? That's right; fossil
fuels are actually the accumulated remains of living organisms that were buried millions of years ago.
In fact, it may help you to recall this term by remembering that a 'fossil' is a naturally preserved
remnant of a living thing from long ago. Let's take a closer look at these energy-rich substances and
how they were created.
Fossil Fuel Creation

As we mentioned, the story of fossil fuels began millions of years ago, even before the dinosaurs first
appeared on Earth. At that time, there were tiny plants and animals living in the oceans of the world.
As these plants and animals died, they would sink down and settle on the ocean floor. This organic
matter was eventually covered by layers of sand, rock and mud that later turned into sedimentary
rock.
As these layers of rock grew thicker and thicker, the organic matter ended up being placed under a
great amount of pressure. Over the millions of years that passed, this high pressure transformed the
partially decomposed plant and animal matter into the major energy source that we know as oil and
natural gas.
Coal is formed through the same type of process. However, coal originates mainly from dead tree
and plant matter. Millions of years ago, leafy plants and trees died and sank into swamps and bogs
that covered much of the Earth. This created a soupy plant-filled stew called peat. The peat became
buried under layers of sediment, and water was squeezed out. Over the course of millions of years,
compounds within the peat were subjected to heat and pressure, transforming them into the carbon-
rich substance we know as coal.
Fossil Fuel as Energy

Fossil fuels are a great source of energy because they originate from living things. We know that
plants and trees use sunlight to make food from carbon dioxide and water, using the process
called photosynthesis. This is an easy term to recall when you remember that the prefix 'photo' is
Greek for light, and the suffix 'synthesis' means to make, so photosynthesis is using the energy of
sunlight to make food. This energy from the sun gets stored in the plants and transferred to any
animal that eats the plants.
Now keep in mind, the dead plant and animal matter that made up these fossil fuels didn't have
much time to decay. They sank into the water and were buried with much of their substance intact.
This allowed the energy within them to remain as they were transformed.
You can imagine how concentrated the energy is within fossil fuels. The plant and animal matter has
sunk into the water and has been greatly compressed. To try and visualize this, picture a bag of raw
spinach. It takes up quite a bit of space, just like a plant would. Now put the spinach into a pot with a
little bit of water, and cook it up. Suddenly, your pan only has a couple of inches of spinach at the
bottom, all compressed into a dense layer of mush. All of the nutrients in the spinach leaves are now
concentrated, just like the energy in fossil fuels.
Advantages of Fossil Fuels
There are many advantages of fossil fuels. Even though they are consumed in mass amounts, they
are still abundant and accessible. Fossil fuels provide a large amount of concentrated energy for a
relatively low cost. Their abundance allows power plants to be fueled by them, creating a great deal
of electricity for the world. Additionally, oil can be transported through the use of pipes, allowing it to
be transported relatively easily.
Natural gas is a clean fuel and is highly efficient. It is widely used by businesses and residential
homes for heating, cooking, making hot water and drying clothes. Additionally, 99% of the natural
gas we use comes from North America, helping America be more self-sufficient.
Disadvantages of Fossil Fuels

As helpful and valuable as fossil fuels are, they are not without flaws. One of the main disadvantages
of fossil fuels is the fact that when they are burned, they produce carbon dioxide. The high levels of
carbon dioxide in our atmosphere are one of the factors leading to global climate change, which is
defined as a long-term change in the Earth's climate.
Fossil energy sources, including oil, coal and natural gas, are non-renewable resources that formed
when prehistoric plants and animals died and were gradually buried by layers of rock. Over millions of
years, different types of fossil fuels formed -- depending on what combination of organic matter was
present, how long it was buried and what temperature and pressure conditions existed as time passed.
Today, fossil fuel industries drill or mine for these energy sources, burn them to produce electricity, or
refine them for use as fuel for heating or transportation. Over the past 20 years, nearly three-fourths of
human-caused emissions came from the burning of fossil fuels.
The Energy Department maintains emergency petroleum reserves, ensures responsible development of
Americas oil and gas resources and executes natural gas regulatory responsibilities. In addition,
scientists at the Energy Departments National Labsare developing technologies to reduce carbon
emissions and ensure fossil energy sources play a role in Americas clean energy future.
Fossil Fuels
1. Home
2. Topics
3. Fossil Fuels
4. Description
Fossil fuels, including coal, oil and natural gas, are currently the world's primary energy
source. Formed from organic material over the course of millions of years, fossil fuels
have fueled U.S. and global economic development over the past century. Yet fossil
fuels are finite resources and they can also irreparably harm the environment. According
to the Environmental Protection Agency, the burning of fossil fuels was responsible for
79 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2010. These gases insulate the planet,
and could lead to potentially catastrophic changes in the earths climate. Technologies
such as Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) may help reduce the greenhouse gas
emissions generated by fossil fuels, and nuclear energy can be a zero-carbon
alternative for electricity generation. But other, more sustainable solutions exist: energy
efficiency and renewable energy.
Oil
Oil is the worlds primary fuel source for transportation. Most oil is pumped out of
underground reservoirs, but it can also be found imbedded in shale and tar sands. Once
extracted, crude oil is processed in oil refineries to create fuel oil, gasoline, liquefied
petroleum gas, and other nonfuel products such as pesticides, fertilizers,
pharmaceuticals, and plastics.
The United States leads the world in petroleum consumption at 19.05 million barrels per
day as of 2014. Net petroleum imports for the U.S. were 4.5 million barrels per day. Top
exporters to the United States include Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, and
Nigeria. Oil poses major environmental problems, and the worlds heavy reliance on it
for transportation makes it difficult to reduce consumption. Besides the environmental
degradation caused by oil spills and extraction, combustion of oil releases fine
particulates which can lead to serious respiratory problems, and is a major source of
greenhouse gas emissions. Indeed, petroleum is responsible for 42 percent of
greenhouse gas emissions in the United States.
Heavier crude oils, especially those extracted from tar sands and shale, require the use
of energy intensive methods that result in more emissions and environmental
degradation compared to conventional oil. As conventional oil from underground
reservoirs runs out, more oil producers are turning to unconventional sources such as
tar sands and oil shale.
Coal
Coal is primarily used to generate electricity and is responsible for 39 percent of the
electric power supply in the United States in 2014 (down from half in 2007). The United
States produces around 11.5 percent of the worlds total with Wyoming, West Virginia,
Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Texas leading in production. China is the global leader in
coal production, responsible for 45 percent of world supply.
The combustion of coal releases air pollutants such as acid rain-inducing sulfur dioxide,
nitrogen oxides (NOx), and mercury. The mining process can also be very damaging to
the environment, often resulting in the destruction of vegetation and top-soil. Rivers and
streams can also be destroyed or contaminated by mine wastes. The combustion of coal
is responsible for 32 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions in the United States.
The premise of "clean coal" has recently been promoted as a way to use this abundant
energy source without damaging the environment. Carbon capture and storage (CCS),
where carbon is separated from coal and injected underground for long term storage,
could theoretically be used to mitigate the coal industry's greenhouse gas emissions.
However, CCS has yet to be proven as a safe or realistic way to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions from commercial power plants and the environmental and health costs of
mining remain.
Natural Gas
Natural gas comprised 27 percent of U.S. energy use in 2014 and is most commonly
used to produce heat or electricity for buildings or industrial processes. Less than two
percent of U.S. natural gas is used as a transportation fuel, typically for bus fleets.
Natural gas is also used to produce fertilizer, paints, and plastics. The United States
produces around 19.8 percent of the worlds natural gas and consumes
about21.5 percent. Natural gas is most commonly transported by pipeline, which makes
Canada the key exporter to the United States, while Russia remains the main supplier
for much of Europe. Increasingly, however, natural gas is being transported by ship in a
liquefied form (LNG) to meet greater global demand for the fuel.
Natural gas burns cleaner than coal and oil, with almost zero sulfur dioxide emissions
and far fewer nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions. Natural gas releases almost 30
percent less carbon dioxide than oil and 43 percent less than coal. However, natural gas
is still responsible for 27 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States.
Natural gas, which is primarily composed of methane (CH4), is also generated by the
decomposition of municipal waste in landfills and manure from livestock production.
Methane is a greenhouse gas that is more than 20 times as potent as carbon dioxide.
Capturing and burning the gas to produce usable heat and power prevents the methane
from being released from the landfill or feedlot into the atmosphere directly.
Fossil Fuel Alternatives: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Despite current U.S. dependence on fossil fuels, several options exist to begin the
necessary transition away from a harmful fossil fuel economy. Improving the energy
efficiency of buildings, vehicles, industrial processes, appliances and equipment is the
most immediate and cost effective way to reduce energy use.
Planning communities where people can safely and conveniently use public transit,
walk, or bike, instead of using private vehicles, also reduces energy demand. Finally,
there are several alternative resources that can supply clean, renewable energy to
replace fossil fuels, including water, biomass, wind, geothermal, andsolar energy.
Fossil fuel
Fossil fuels are hydrocarbons, primarily coal, fuel oil or natural gas, formed
from the remains of dead plants and animals.
In common dialogue, the term fossil fuel also includes hydrocarbon-containing natural resources that
are not derived from animal or plant sources.
These are sometimes known instead as mineral fuels.
The utilization of fossil fuels has enabled large-scale industrial development and largely supplanted
water-driven mills, as well as the combustion of wood or peat for heat.
Fossil fuel is a general term for buried combustible geologic deposits of organic materials, formed
from decayed plants and animals that have been converted to crude oil, coal, natural gas, or heavy
oils by exposure to heat and pressure in the earth's crust over hundreds of millions of years.
Formation of Coal
The burning of fossil fuels by humans is the largest source of emissions of

carbon dioxide, which is one of the greenhouse gases that allows radiative
forcing and contributes to global warming.
A small portion of hydrocarbon-based fuels are biofuels derived from

atmospheric carbon dioxide, and thus do not increase the net amount of
carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
How Fossil Fuels were Formed
Contrary to what many people believe, fossil fuels are not the remains of dead
dinosaurs. In fact, most of the fossil fuels we find today were formed millions of
years before the first dinosaurs.
Fossil fuels, however, were once alive!
They were formed from prehistoric plants and animals that lived hundreds of
millions of years ago.
Think about what the Earth must have looked like 300 million years or so ago.
The land masses we live on today were just forming. There were swamps and
bogs everywhere. The climate was warmer. Ancient trees and plants grew
everywhere. Strange looking animals walked on the land, and just as weird
looking fish swam in the rivers and seas. Tiny one-celled organisms called
protoplankton floated in the ocean.
Fossil fuels were formed from
plants and animals that lived
When these ancient living things died, they decomposed and became buried
300 million years ago in
under layers and layers of mud, rock, and sand. Eventually, hundreds and primordial swamps and oceans
(top). Over time the plants and
sometimes thousands of feet of earth covered them. In some areas, the animals died and decomposed
under tons of rock and ancient
decomposing materials were covered by ancient seas, then the seas dried up seas (middle).
and receded. Eventually, many of the seas
receded and left dry land with
fossil fuels like coal buried
During the millions of years that passed, the dead plants and animals slowly underneath it (bottom).
decomposed into organic materials and formed fossil fuels. Different types of Ten feet of prehistoric plant
debris was needed to make one
fossil fuels were formed depending on what combination of animal and plant foot of coal.
debris was present, how long the material was buried, and what conditions of
temperature and pressure existed when they were decomposing.
For example, oil and natural gas were created from organisms that lived in the water and were buried under
ocean or river sediments. Long after the great prehistoric seas and rivers vanished, heat, pressure and
bacteria combined to compress and "cook" the organic material under layers of silt. In most areas, a thick
liquid called oil formed first, but in deeper, hot regions underground, the cooking process continued until
natural gas was formed. Over time, some of this oil and natural gas began working its way upward through
the earth's crust until they ran into rock formations called "caprocks" that are dense enough to prevent them
from seeping to the surface. It is from under these caprocks that most oil and natural gas is produced today.
The same types of forces also created coal, but there are a few differences. Coal formed from the dead
remains of trees, ferns and other plants that lived 300 to 400 million years ago. In some areas, such as
portions of what-is-now the eastern United States, coal was formed from swamps covered by sea water. The
sea water contained a large amount of sulfur, and as the seas dried up, the sulfur was left behind in the coal.
Today, scientists are working on ways to take the sulfur out of coal because when coal burns, the sulfur can
become an air pollutant. (To find out about these methods, see the section "Cleaning Up Coal.")
Some coal deposits, however, were formed from freshwater swamps which had very little sulfur in them.
These coal deposits, located largely in the western part of the United States, have much less sulfur in
them.
All of these fossil fuels have played important roles in providing the energy that every man, woman, and
child in the the United States uses. With better technology for finding and using fossil fuels, each can play
an equally important role in the future.
Man?s fuel needs, since the olden times, have been met through the use of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels, as its
name suggests, were formed from the organic remains of prehistoric plants and animals. They are
responsible for much of the world?s electric power and total energy demands. Since 1900, the world?s
consumption of fossil fuels has nearly doubled every 20 years.
Fossil fuels comprise mainly of coal, oil and gas. These three were formed millions of years ago beneath the
earth?s surface from the decomposed bodies of dead plants and animals. They are foreseen to be in short
supply in the future as man?s fuel needs continue to grow at a fast rate.
Crude oil is also referred to as petroleum. Compared to coal, this is easier to extract
from the ground through the use of pipes thereby making it less costly to transport
from one place to another.
Natural gas has other uses apart from being burned in power plants to generate
electricity. Many people also use it in their home heating systems to provide warm air
during the cold winter season.
Advantages of Fossil Fuels
A major advantage of fossil fuels is their capacity to generate huge amounts of electricity in just a
single location.
Fossil fuels are very easy to find.

When coal is used in power plants, they are very cost effective. Coal is also in abundant supply.
Transporting oil and gas to the power stations can be made through the use of pipes making it an
easy task.
Power plants that utilize gas are very efficient.
Power stations that make use of fossil fuel can be constructed in almost any location. This is
possible as long as large quantities of fuel can be easily brought to the power plants.
Disadvantages of Fossil Fuels
Pollution is a major disadvantage of fossil fuels. This is because they give off
carbon dioxide when burned thereby causing a greenhouse effect. This is also
the main contributory factor to the global warming experienced by the earth
today.
Coal also produces carbon dioxide when burned compared to burning oil or
gas. Additionally, it gives off sulphur dioxide, a kind of gas that creates acid
rain.
Environmentally, the mining of coal results in the destruction of wide areas of

land. Mining this fossil fuel is also difficult and may endanger the lives of
miners. Coal mining is considered one of the most dangerous jobs in the world.
Power stations that utilize coal need large amounts of fuel. In other words, they
not only need truckloads but trainloads of coal on a regular basis to continue
operating and generating electricity. This only means that coal-fired power
plants should have reserves of coal in a large area near the plant?s location.
Use of natural gas can cause unpleasant odors and some problems especially
with transportation.
Use of crude oil causes pollution and poses environmental hazards such as oil
spills when oil tankers, for instance, experience leaks or drown deep under the
sea. Crude oil contains toxic chemicals which cause air pollutants when
combusted.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Fossil Fuels
OCCUPYTHEORY
on 9 April, 2014 at 14:00
Fossil fuels are formed from the organic remains of prehistoric animals and plants.
Fossil fuels are responsible for supplying the worlds high electric energy demands. The
most common forms of fossil fuels are gas, coal, and oil. These types of fossil fuels
were formed over million years ago beneath the earths surface. Fossil fuels are
foreseen to supply the high energy demands of man in the future.
Crude oil is the most common form of fossil fuel used by mankind today. It is also
referred to as petroleum, and its quite easy to extract from the earths surface. Pipes
are drilled beneath the earths surface to extract crude oil, which makes petroleum easy
to transport. Petroleum has other uses, aside from being burned in power plants to
convert it to electricity. Many people use petroleum primarily to power vehicles,
machineries, and home heating systems.
THE 8 ADVANTAGES OF FOSSIL FUEL

1. Fossil fuel has the unlimited potential to generate huge amounts of electricity, within a
single location.
2. Fossil fuels are extremely easy to find. They can be found in almost everywhere
beneath the earths surface.
3. Fossil fuels are very cost effective, especially coal.
4. Transporting petroleum is made easy through pipes. It does not require oil companies
to extract the oil from beneath the ground and transport them through land to other
locations.
5. Power plants that use fossil fuels can be constructed in almost every location. As long
as large quantities of fossil fuels can be brought easily to power plants, power stations
can be constructed any anywhere.
6. Fossil fuels are regarded with their stability. Gas, oil, and coal are composed of
molecules of carbon and hydrogen. Due to their stability and consistency, fossil fuels
are easy to store. They do not even form into other compounds even if stored in cans
for an extended period of time.
7. Fossil fuels have high calorific value. All types of energy they produce have the same
calorific value. In energy, the more calorific, the more effective the energy is. This is
probably the reason why fossil fuels are still preferred by people instead of renewable
energy.
8. Gas, oil, and coal can produce a large amount of energy. Fossil fuels are fast
combustible, which means that power plants can generate large amounts of energy.
THE 2 DISADVANTAGES OF FOSSIL FUELS

1. Pollution is probably the primary disadvantage of fossil fuels. Burning fossil fuels can
cause greenhouse effect, which is harmful to the environment. Continuously burning
fossil fuels largely contribute to global warming that earth experiences today.
2. Destruction of wide areas of land is another huge disadvantage of mining fossil fuels.
Mining fossil fuels mat also endanger the lives of the animals, the people living the sites
surroundings, and the lives of the miners.
Despite the advantages of fossil fuels, there are still disadvantages that people should
look at. These disadvantages warn people not to abuse mankinds source for power or
else, it will destroy them instead of building them. Power plants should take all of the
necessary things that must be done to secure the worlds primary source of power from
destroying the earths surface and the people living in it.
Fossil fuels - non-renewable
In 2011 fossil fuels made up 83% of the worlds energy use. These are
resources found under the ground: coal, oil and gas. In 2020 this is predicted to
decrease to 76% as nuclear power, and in particular, renewable energy use
increase. See World Energy (PDF) for more information. In 2014 global oil
consumption grew 0.8% and natural gas and coal consumption grew by 0.4%.
What are fossil fuels?
Trees breathe in carbon dioxide and store the carbon in their trunks. Millions of
years ago many trees sank into the swampy ground where they had been
growing and disappeared, taking the carbon they had absorbed with them.
Under pressure from above, they turned in to a kind of fossil which we call coal
Now we are digging it up to use as a fuel because the carbon which was stored
in the fossils burn really easily. The same thing happened with oil and gas
except these were originally tiny sea creatures which stored the carbon in their
bodies and shells and took it with them when they died and their bodies got
buried.
Without fossil fuels, many countries would not have been able to develop and
industrialise to give us the lifestyles which we enjoy today. Now more countries
such as China and India are developing at a very fast rate and their energy
needs are soaring.
The trouble is that when we burn fossil fuels to make electricity, run our cars and
for many other uses the carbon is released back into the atmosphere where it
contributes to the greenhouse effect. These greenhouse gases such as carbon
dioxide add to an invisible blanket around the earth which traps more of the suns
heat. This makes the temperature of the world rise - what we call global
warming. See our 'Greenhouse Effect' video in the resources section below.
The warming of the planet is causing the worlds weather patterns to change
which is why we call it climate change.
Not only that but breathing in this pollution is not good for our health, especially in
cities where they have a large number of cars such as Mexico city. But there are
still coal fired power stations being built around the world to meet our rising
demand for energy to run all of our gadgets. In the 2013 World Energy
Resources (PDF) report it is stated that China alone now uses as much coal as
the rest of the world. World energy consumption increased by 56% between
1985 and 2001.
The other problem with fossil fuels is that they will soon run out - maybe thats a
good thing. So even if we dont agree with the idea of human induced climate
change or dont care, we still need to look for alternatives.
It is estimated that fossil fuels will last...
Oil - approximately 56 years

Gas: approximately 55 years
Coal: approximately 100 years
... unless we find some more.
As fossils fuels become more expensive and harder to find, renewable energy
will become cheaper as technology improves and the equipment is made on a
larger scale. Unfortunately at the moment we dont have enough renewable
energy to replace fossil fuels, but hopefully that will change.
Biogas
Biogas is formed by the anaerobic decomposition of putrescible organic material. Biogas CHP
(combined heat and power or cogeneration) is the utilisation of biogas, typically in a biogas engine,
for the production of electricity and useful heat, at high efficiency.
Clarke Energy is a distributor of GE Jenbacher biogas engines which are designed for robust
operation on difficult gases such as biologically-derived ones.
What is biogas?
Biogas is a gas that is formed by anaerobic microorganisms. These microbes feed off carbohydrates
and fats, producing methane and carbon dioxides as metabolic waste products. This gas can be
harnessed by man as a source of sustainable energy.
Biogas is considered to be a renewable fuel as it originates from organic material that has been
created from atmospheric carbon by plants grown within recent growing seasons.
Benefits of anaerobic digestion and biogas
Production of renewable power through combined heat and power cogeneration

Disposal of problematic wastes
Diversion of waste from landfill
Production of a low-carbon fertiliser
Avoidance of landfill gas escape and reduction in carbon emissions
Biogas formation
Biogas creation is also called biomethanation. Biologically derived gases are produced as metabolic
products of two groups of microorganisms called bacteria and Archaea. These microorganisms feed
off carbohydrates, fats
and proteins, then through a complex series of reactions including hydrolysis, acetogenesis,
acidogenesis and methanogenesis produce biogas consisting mainly of carbon dioxide and
methane.
Anaerobic Digestion / Biogas Plant 3D Model
Video Player
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Biogas composition
Biogas consists primarily of methane (the source of energy within the fuel) and carbon dioxide. It
also may contain small amounts of nitrogen or hydrogen. Contaminants in the biogas can include
sulphur or siloxanes, but this will depend upon the digester feedstock.
The relative percentages of methane and carbon dioxide in the biogas are influenced by a number of
factors including:
The ratio of carbohydrates, proteins and fats in the feedstock

The dilution factor in the digester (carbon dioxide can be absorbed by water)
Anaerobic digestion
Anaerobic digestion is the man-made process of harnessing the anaerobic fermentation of wastes
and other biodegradable materials. Anaerobic microbes can be harnessed to treat problematic
wastes, produce a fertiliser that can be used to replace high carbon emission chemical fertilisers. It
also is the process that results in the production of biogas, which can be used to provide renewable
power using biogas cogeneration systems.
Anaerobic digestion can occur at mesophilic (35-45C) or thermophilic temperatures (50-60C). Both
types of digestion typically require supplementary sources of heat to reach their optimal temperature.
This heat is most commonly provided by a biogas CHP unit, operating on biogas and producing both
electricity and heat for the process.
Often, biogas plants that treat wastes originating from animal material, will also require the material
to be treated at high temperature to eliminate any disease causing bacteria in the slurry. These
systems pasteurise the slurry, typically at 90C for one hour, to destroy pathogens, and result in the
provision of clean, high quality fertiliser.
Biogas engines
GE Jenbacher biogas engines are specifically designed to operate on different types of biogas.
These gas engines are linked to an alternator in order to produce electricity at high efficiency. High
efficiency electricity production enables the end user to maximise the electrical output from the
biogas and hence optimise the economic performance of the anaerobic digestion plant.
Biogas engine electrical output
There are 4 types of GE Jenbacher gas engines with different levels of power output and
electrical/thermal efficiency characteristics.
249-330kWe Type 2
499-1,065kWe Type 3
844-1189kWe Type 4
1,600-3,000kWe Type 6
Biogas CHP
Biologically-derived gases can be utilised in biogas engines to generate renewable power

via cogeneration in the form of electricity and heat. The electricity can be used to power the
surrounding equipment or exported to the national grid.
Low grade heat from the cooling circuits of the gas engine, typically available as hot water on a
70/90C flow/return basis. For anaerobic digestion plants that are using a CHP engine, there are two
key types of heat:
High grade heat as engine exhaust gas (typically ~450C)
The low grade heat is typically used to heat the digester tanks to the optimum temperature for the
biological system. Mesophilic anaerobic digesters typically operate at 35-40C. Thermophilic
anaerobic digesters typically operate at a higher temperature between 49-60C and hence have a
higher heating requirement.
You can find out more about biogas CHP efficiency here.
High temperature exhaust gas heat can either be used directly into a drier, waste heat
boiler or organic rankine cycle unit. Alternatively it can be converted into hot water using a shell and
tube exhaust gas heat exchanger to supplement the heat from the engine cooling systems.
Waste heat boilers produce steam typically at 8-15bar. Driers may be useful to reduce the moisture
content of the digestate to assist in reducing transportation costs. Organic rankine cycle turbines are
able to convert surplus waste heat into additional electrical output.
In the event that the local legislation requires for the destruction of pathogens in the digestate (such
as theEuropean Animal By-Products Regulations) there may be the requirement to heat treat the
waste via pasteurisation or sterilisation. Here, surplus heat from the gas engine can be used in the
pasteurisation unit.
The heat from the CHP engine can also be used to drive an absorption chiller to give a source of
cooling, converting the system to a trigeneration plant.
Minimum Flow Rate
The minimum gas flow rate to operate the smallest GE Jenbacher biogas engine at full load (J208
@249kWe) is 127Nm3/hour at 50% methane.
Sectors
We have specific pages related to:
Agriculture
Organic wastes
Distilleries
Mechanical biological treatment and anaerobic digestion of mixed wastes (MBT-AD)
Landfill gas
Sewage gas
Potential Contaminants
Biologically derived gases may include contaminants or inpurities including water, hydrogen sulphide
and siloxanes. Please discuss your gas quality expectations with your local Clarke Energy office. GE
provides specific guidelines on fuel gas quality in technical instruction documents.
Water
Biological gases contains water vapour due to the nature of the feedstock that produces the gas.
The quantity of water is linked to the temperature of the biological gas and the method of
production. Above certain limits the moisture content of the biogas becomes a combustion challenge
for the gas engines.
Water can be removed from the gas by using:
Gas dehumidification (drying) units.

Ground tube dewatering
Hydrogen Sulphide
Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is derived as a by-product of the anaerobic digestion process of high
sulphur feedstocks such as amino-acids and proteins. When burnt in a gas engine hydrogen
sulphide can condense with water to form sulphuric acid. Sulphuric acid is corrosive to elements of
gas engines and so must be limited to prevent adverse effects on the CHP engine.
Processes for the removal of hydrogen sulphide include
Activated carbon filters

Low level oxygen dosing into digester head space (typically <1%)
External biological scrubber towers
Ferric chloride dosing into the digester
Siloxanes
In some cases biogas contains siloxanes. Siloxanes are formed from the anaerobic decomposition
of materials commonly found in soaps and detergents. During the combustion process of the gas
that contains siloxanes, silicon is released and can combine with free oxygen or various other
elements in the combustion gas. Deposits are formed containing mostly silica (SiO 2) or silicates
(SixOy). These white mineral deposits accumulate and must be removed by chemical or mechanical
means.
Siloxanes are often problematic in landfill gas and sewage gas plants due to contamination that is
often found associated with the organic wastes.
In source-segregated biodegradable waste and agricultural biogas plants, it is much less common to
find problems associated with siloxanes.
Biogas
Poo power: cow dung can be used as fuel
With fuel wood becoming increasingly expensive and also scarce in some areas, there is a need to
look for alternative cooking fuel. Cow manure and biogas fuel technology provides a free,
sustainable source of power all year round and a useful fertiliser which helps to provide a better
income for farmers.
How it works
Impact
How you can help
Further Info
Cow dung is mixed with water and placed into fermentation pits where it is broken down by natural
bacteria, releasing methane. The gas is collected and stored in a tank and then piped on demand to
the farmers house, to be burnt to generate energy for cooking, laundry and lighting.
The biogas plants also produce a rich organic waste which is dried and used as fertiliser. Both
fertiliser and fuel wood are increasingly expensive in the country and biogas has a potentially
important future. It may also be used to manage organic waste in urban settings.
Biogas RenewableEnergy
Information website on biogas
Biogas composition
Biogas is a fuel gas, a mixture consisting of 65% methane (CH4) and of
35% CO2. It is a renewable energy resulting from biomass.
Biogas composition
Resources of biogas in the world
According to a study made by the ADEME biogas represents in the world a resource comparable
to fossil gas yearly consumption (1.800 Mtep/year). This energy is too dispersed in the world to be
easily recoverable but the potential is evaluated from 100 to 300 Mtep/year. The quantity valued
today is that of 0,5% of the total potential.
Biogas resources in the world
Fermentation (or anaerobic digestion)
Fermentation (or anaerobic digestion) is the process of degradation of the organic substances using
the micro-organisms also known as anaerobe.
Anaerobic digestion
Energetic valorisation of biogas
In the case of a valorisation by a co-generation engine, the heat can be used locally which improves
the energy output of valorisation. Moreover, electricity resulting from biogas can be sold to electricity
distributors.
Biogas valorisation
Economy of biogas
The receipts are calculated based on the assumption that the producer of biogas is also the
consumer. In this case, they will have to support the overall investments but will recover the totality
of the benefit, and have savings compared to fossile fuels.
Biogas economy
Engineering office and constructor of biogas plants
Naskeo Environnement
Headings:
Organic waste
o Nature
o Income
o Potential methane
Anaerobic digestion
o Definition
o Diagram
o Advantages
o Fields
Biogas
o Composition
o Ressources
o Purification
Biogas installations
o General diagram
o Technical elements
o Cogeneration
o References
Economy of biogas installations
o Investments
o Expenditure
o Receipts
Biogas incomes
o Electric valorisation of biogas
o Biogas heating network

o Future developments
Sludge

o Valorisation
How to suceed a biogas plant project
o Implementation
o Success of a biogas plant
o Delivery planning of a biogas plant
Contact | Top
What is Biogas?
Most organic matter begins the process of decomposition when it is exposed
to oxygen and sunlight. However, organic matter can also decompose
without any oxygen, by the process of anaerobic fermentation. This happens
due to the bacteria present in the matter which acts during the absence of
oxygen. Landfills see a lot of such decay, especially when the waste material
becomes wet and receives little sunlight. As a result, a lot of methane and
nitrous oxide is produced and released into the atmosphere. Biogas is the
result of this decay, and it is an energy source like no other.
One may find the structure of biogas to be a little confusing. Comprising
mainly of methane and carbon dioxide, one has to wonder how
these greenhouse gases are helping anybody. However, the magic happens
when the gas is burnt. The use of biogas as a fuel happens because it reacts
with oxygen and releases energy, which is clean in nature.
The resulting reaction uses up the gases and prevents them from rising into
the atmosphere. Biogas plants are slowly becoming popular due to the many
benefits associated with them. They are already being used for public
transport, industrial heating and many more applications.
Advantages of Biogas
1. Renewable Source of Energy: To begin with, biogas is considered to be
a renewable source of energy. Since it often produced from materials that
form sewage and waste products, the only time it will be depleted is when we
stop producing any waste.
2. Non-Polluting: It is also considered to be non-polluting in nature. The

production of biogas does not require oxygen, which means that resources
are conserved by not using any further fuel.
3. Reduces Landfills: It also uses up waste material found in landfills, dump

sites and even farms across the country, allowing for decreased soil
and water pollution.
4. Cheaper Technology: Applications for biogas are increasing as the

technology to utilize it gets better. It can be used to produce electricity and
for the purpose of heating as well. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is biogas
that has been compressed and can be used as a fuel for vehicles. Production
can be carried out through many small plants or one large plant.
5. Large number of Jobs: Either way, work opportunities are created for
thousands of people in these plants. These jobs are a blessing in rural areas,
which are the targeted grounds for the use of biogas. In fact, biogas can
easily be decentralized, making it easier to access by those living in remote
areas or facing frequent power outages.
6. Little Capital Investment: Biogas are easy to set up and require little
capital investment on a small scale basis. In fact, many farms can become
self sufficient by utilizing biogas plants and the waste material produced by
their livestock each day. A single cow can provide enough waste material
within a day to power a light bulb the entire day.
7. Reduces Greenhouse Effect: It also reduces the greenhouse effect by
utilizing the gases being produced in landfills as forms of energy. This is a
major reason why the use of biogas has started catching on. It recycles most
forms of biodegradable waste and works on simple forms of technology.
Disadvantages of Biogas
1. Little Technology Advancements: First of all, the current systems in
place used to create biogas are not as efficient as they get. Little new
technology has been introduced for streamlining the process and making it
more cost effective. As a result, large scale industrial production of biogas is
still not on the energy map. Although it could solve the energy issues being
faced by countries all over the world, very few investors are willing to put in
the startup capital. It is also not the best idea to construct one biogas plant
per house, which means that a central system will have to be put into place.
2. Contain Impurities: Biogas contains a number of impurities even after

refining processes have been put into place. When compressed for use as
fuel, these can become corrosive to the metal parts of engines.
3. Not Attractive on Large Scale: The process of using biogas on a large

scale is not economically viable and it is very difficult to enhance the
efficiency of biogas systems.
4. Unstable: It is also somewhat unstable, making it prone to explosions if

the methane comes in contact with oxygen and become flammable in
nature.
Even with all of the disadvantages present, countries have started to apply
the uses of biogas in everyday life. Public transportation has been renewed
and made efficient with the help of CNG. Remote locations that are off the
electric grid receive a steady supply of power from these plants. The future
use of biogas is bright, even with the problems it faces.
How Biopower Works

To many people, the most familiar forms of renewable energy are the
wind and the sun. But biomass (plant material and animal waste) is
the oldest source of renewable energy, used since our ancestors
learned the secret of fire.
Note: This page addresses biopowerusing biomass to generate

electricity. For more information on biofuels, go to the UCS Clean
Vehicles Programs biofuels pages.
Biomass is a renewable energy source not only because the energy in it

comes from the sun, but also because biomass can re-grow over a
relatively short period of time compared with the hundreds of millions
of years that it took for fossil fuels to form. Through the process of
photosynthesis, chlorophyll in plants captures the sun's energy by
converting carbon dioxide from the air and water from the ground into
carbohydratescomplex compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen,
and oxygen. When these carbohydrates are burned, they turn back
into carbon dioxide and water and release the energy they captured
from the sun.
Several recent studies show little to no economic potential to increase
biopower in the U.S. over the next two decades because of its relatively
high costs compared with other renewable energy and low carbon
technologies (EIA 2015, EPA 2015, NREL 2015, UCS 2014, UCS 2015).
Other studies of nearly decarbonizing the power sector by mid-century
show that more efficient, advanced biopower technologies using low-
carbon feedstocks, such as agricultural residues and energy crops,
could provide a modest contribution of up to 15 percent of U.S.
electricity generation (NREL 2012, UCS 2013).
But like all our energy sources, biopower has environmental risks that
need to be mitigated. If not managed and monitored carefully,
biomass for energy can be harvested at unsustainable rates, damage
ecosystems, produce harmful air pollution, consume large amounts of
water, and produce net global warming emissions.
Assessing the potential role of biopower as a climate solution requires

a look at its lifecycle carbon emissionswhich vary according to the
type of feedstock, the manner in which it is developed and harvested,
the scale at which it is used and the technology used to convert
biomass into electricity. The lifecycle carbon emissions of biopower
should also be compared to the fossil fuels its displacing and other
zero and low carbon solutions its competing with.
NOTE: We are currently in the process of updating the content on

this page to reflect the latest research and understanding of key
biomass issues. Check back soon for updates.
BIOMASS & MSW GASIFICATION POWER PLANT
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PRODUCT FEATURE
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Biomass Energy Basics

We have used biomass energy, or "bioenergy"the
energy from plants and plant-derived materialssince
people began burning wood to cook food and keep warm.
Wood is still the largest biomass energy resource today,
but other sources of biomass can also be used. These
include food crops, grassy and woody plants, residues
from agriculture or forestry, oil-rich algae, and the organic
component of municipal and industrial wastes. Even the
fumes from landfills (which are methane, the main
component in natural gas) can be used as a biomass
energy source.
NREL scientist Bryon Donohoe works in the Cellular Visualization room of the Biomass Surface
Characterization Lab, looking at different views of ultra structures of pretreated biomass materials.
Benefits of Using Biomass

Biomass can be used for fuels, power production, and products that would
otherwise be made from fossil fuels. In such scenarios, biomass can provide an
array of benefits. For example:
The use of biomass energy has the potential to greatly reduce greenhouse gas
emissions. Burning biomass releases about the same amount of carbon dioxide as
burning fossil fuels. However, fossil fuels release carbon dioxide captured by
photosynthesis millions of years agoan essentially "new" greenhouse gas.
Biomass, on the other hand, releases carbon dioxide that is largely balanced by
the carbon dioxide captured in its own growth (depending how much energy was
used to grow, harvest, and process the fuel). However, recent studies have found
that clearing forests to grow biomass results in a carbon penalty that takes
decades to recoup, so it is best if biomass is grown on previously cleared land,
such as under-utilized farm land.
The use of biomass can reduce dependence on foreign oil because biofuels are the
only renewable liquid transportation fuels available.
Biomass energy supports U.S. agricultural and forest-product industries. The main
biomass feedstocks for power are paper mill residue, lumber mill scrap, and
municipal waste. For biomass fuels, the most common feedstocks used today are
corn grain (for ethanol) and soybeans (for biodiesel). In the near futureand with
NREL-developed technologyagricultural residues such as corn stover (the stalks,
leaves, and husks of the plant) and wheat straw will also be used. Long-term plans
include growing and using dedicated energy crops, such as fast-growing trees and
grasses, and algae. These feedstocks can grow sustainably on land that will not
support intensive food crops.
NREL's vision is to develop technology for biorefineries that will convert biomass
into a range of valuable fuels, chemicals, materials, and productsmuch like oil
refineries and petrochemical plants do.
NREL performs research to develop and advance technologies for the following
biomass energy applications:
BiofuelsConverting biomass into liquid fuels for transportation
BiopowerBurning biomass directly, or converting it into gaseous or liquid fuels

that burn more efficiently, to generate electricity
BioproductsConverting biomass into chemicals for making plastics and other

products that typically are made from petroleum.
Additional Resources
For more information, visit NREL's Bioenergy Research site or the following
resources:
Biomass Production and Consumption Data

U.S. Energy Information Administration
Glossary of Biomass Terms
Alternative Fuels Data Center

U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Alternative Fuel Conversion

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Biodiesel Board
American Coalition for Ethanol
Renewable Fuels Association
Energy Kids Biomass Basics

U.S. Energy Information Administration Energy Kids
Clean Energy Education and Professional Development

U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
Renewable Energy
Developing new energy sources to produce reliable, affordable energy
while respecting the environment is one of todays most compelling needs.
What is Biomass?
Biomass is fuel that is developed from organic materials, a renewable and sustainable source of energy
used to create electricity or other forms of power.
Some examples of materials that make up biomass fuels are:
scrap lumber;
forest debris;
certain crops;
manure; and
some types of waste residues.
With a constant supply of waste from construction and demolition activities, to wood not used in
papermaking, to municipal solid waste green energy production can continue indefinitely.
Biomass is a renewable source of fuel to produce energy because:
waste residues will always exist in terms of scrap wood, mill residuals and forest resources; and
properly managed forests will always have more trees, and we will always have crops and the
residual biological matter from those crops.
ReEnergy Holdings is an integrated waste fuel/biomass renewable energy company. Our facilities collect,
process and recycle items for use as fuel, as well as green energy facilities that create power from that
waste.
What is biomass power?
Biomass power is carbon neutral electricity generated from renewable organic waste that would otherwise
be dumped in landfills, openly burned, or left as fodder for forest fires.
When burned, the energy in biomass is released as heat. If you have a fireplace, you already are
participating in the use of biomass as the wood you burn in it is a biomass fuel.
In biomass power plants, wood waste or other waste is burned to produce steam that runs a turbine to
make electricity, or that provides heat to industries and homes. Fortunately, new technologies including
pollution controls and combustion engineering have advanced to the point that any emissions from
burning biomass in industrial facilities are generally less than emissions produced when using fossil fuels
(coal, natural gas, oil). ReEnergy has included these technologies in our facilities.
Biomass challenges
While the process to create electricity is similar whether using a biomass fuel or a fossil fuel, the
equipment needed inside the plant is different. All of ReEnergys power generation facilities have been
outfitted and new acquisitions are upgraded to allow for the burning of biomass.
As with any electrical generation process, the facility needs a steady supply of fuel. In all cases,
ReEnergy has suppliers to deliver a steady stream of biomass, and has engaged other suppliers to
ensure the facilities have what they need. In addition, we create fuel for other biomass consumers as
well as other products at our recycling facilities.
When anything is burned, it can create emissions and ash. Our facilities have state-of-the-art cleaning
processes that keep emissions below state regulatory levels, and we reuse our ash.
Biomass and the US
Biomass fuels provided about 4 percent of the energy used in the United States in 2010. Of this, about 46
percent was from wood and wood-derived biomass, 43 percent was from biofuels (mainly ethanol), and
about 11 percent was from municipal waste. Researchers are trying to develop ways to burn more
biomass and fewer fossil fuels. Using biomass for energy cuts back on waste and greenhouse gas
emissions.
Biomass offers other significant environmental and consumer benefits, including improving forest health,
protecting air quality, and offering the most dependable renewable energy source.
You can read about how we turn biomass and other residuals into energy here.
Sources: http://biomasspowerassociation.com, http://energy.gov/, http://instituteforenergyresearch.org
A map of biomass facilities can be found

here http://biomasspowerassociation.com/docs/biomass_map.pdf
Biomass Energy
Biomass energy is the energy which is contained inside plants and animals.
This can include organic matter of all kinds: plants, animals, or waste
products from organic sources. These sorts of energy sources are known as
biofuels and typically include wood chips, rotted trees, manure, sewage,
mulch, and tree components. Chlorophyll present in plants absorbs carbon
dioxide from the atmosphere and water from the ground through the
process of photosynthesis. The same energy is passed to animals when they
eat them. It is considered to be as renewable source of energy because
carbon dioxide and water contained inside plants and animals are released
back in to the atmosphere when they are burned and we can grow more
plants and crops to create biomass energy.
Advantages of Biomass Energy
In many ways, biomass is a new source of power. While wood has always
served as a fuel source for fires and ovens and conventional heating
methods, biomass energy advancements are a few steps beyond that. Now
these biomass fuel products are harvested and mass-produced and used in
everything from engines to power plants.
1. No Harmful Emissions: Biomass energy, for the most part, creates no

harmful carbon dioxide emissions. Many energy sources used today struggle
to control their carbon dioxide emissions, as these can cause harm to the
ozone layer and increase the effects of greenhouse gases, potentially
warming the planet. It is completely natural, has no such carbon dioxide side
effects in its use.
2. Clean Energy: Because of its relatively clean use, biomass energy, when
used in commercial businesses such as airlines, receives tax credit from the
US government. This is good for the environment and good for business. It
does release carbon dioxide but captures carbon dioxide for its own growth.
Carbon dioxide released by fossil fuel are released into the atmosphere and
are harmful to the environment.
3. Abundant and Renewable: Biomass products are abundant and

renewable. Since they come from living sources, and life is cyclical, these
products potentially never run out, so long as there is something living on
earth and there is someone there to turn that living things components and
waste products into energy. In the United Kingdom, biomass fuels are made
from recycled chicken droppings. In the United States and Russia, there are
plentiful forests for lumber to be used in the production of biomass energy.
4. Reduce Dependency on Fossil Fuels: It has developed as an alternate
source of fuel for many homeowners and have helped them to reduce their
dependency on fossil fuels.
5. Reduce Landfills: Another benefit of this energy is that it can take waste
that is harmful to the environment and turn it into something useful. For
instance, garbage as landfill can, at least partially, be burned to create
useable biomass energy.
6. Can be Used to Create Different Products: Biomass energy is also

versatile, as different forms of organic matter can be used to create different
products. Ethanol and similar fuels can be made from corn and other crops.
With so many living things on the planet, there is no limit to how many ways
it can be found and used.
Disadvantages of Biomass Energy

Besides above advantages, there are also some downsides to it. Lets see
below some of its disadvantages.
1. Expensive: Firstly, its expensive. Living things are expensive to care for,
feed, and house, and all of that has to be considered when trying to use
waste products from animals for fuel.
2. Inefficient as Compared to Fossil Fuels: Secondly, and connected to the

first, is the relative inefficiency of biomass energy. Ethanol, as a biodiesel is
terribly inefficient when compared to gasoline, and it often has to be mixed
with some gasoline to make it work properly anyway. On top of that, ethanol
is harmful to combustion engines over long term use.
3. Harmful to Environment: Thirdly, using animal and human waste to

power engines may save on carbon dioxide emissions, but it increases
methane gases, which are also harmful to the Earths ozone layer. So really,
we are no better off environmentally for using one or the other. And
speaking of using waste products, there is the smell to consider. While it is
not physically harmful, it is definitely unpleasant, and it can attract unwanted
pests (rats, flies) and spread bacteria and infection.
4. Consume More Fuel: Finally, using trees and tree products to power
machines is inefficient as well. Not only does it take a lot more fuel to do the
same job as using conventional fuels, but it also creates environmental
problems of its own. To amass enough lumber to power a nation full of
vehicles or even a power plant, companies would have to clear considerable
forest area. This results in major topological changes and destroys the
homes of countless animals and plants.
5. Require More Land: Combustion of biomass products require some land
where they can easily be burnt. Since, it produces gases like methane in
atmosphere; therefore it can be produced in those areas which are quite far
from residential homes.
Is Biomass Really Renewable?

BY RENEE CHO|AUGUST 18, 2011
24492
Comments
Updated October 19, 2016

A woody biomass harvest site in MN. Photo credit: Eli Sagor
Biomass, a renewable energy source derived from organic matter such as wood,
crop waste, or garbage, makes up 4.8 percent of total U.S. energy consumption and
about 12 percent of all U.S. renewable energy. Wood is the largest biomass energy
source. In the U.S., there are currently 227 biomass plants operating. In the U.K., 35
are operating, 15 are under construction and 17 have been proposed. But just how
renewable is biomass energy?
The Seattle Steam Company uses woody waste. Photo credit: Joe Mabel
There are several ways to produce energy from biomass, including burning
biomass to generate heat or run steam turbines that produce electricity, burning
biomass to produce heat in thermal systems (when combined with electricity
generation, its called combined heat and power), turning feedstocks into liquid
biofuels, and harvesting gas from landfills or anaerobic digesters. Biomass can
consist of wood from forests and logging residues, sawdust from lumbermills,
construction or organic municipal waste, energy crops (switchgrass), crop residue,
and even chicken litter. Since the rapid expansion of biomass energy today relies
largely on wood from forests, well focus here on energy produced by the
combustion of biomass from forest wood and woody residue.
According to the U.S. Forest Service, Wood is an abundant, sustainable,

homegrown cellulosic resource that can significantly contribute to meeting 30
percent of U.S. petroleum consumption from biomass sources by 2030 and help
create a more stable energy future, improve environmental quality, and increase
economic opportunities.
Biomass advocates maintain that thinning out small-diameter or dead trees from
overcrowded forests, and harvesting the byproducts of forest management such as
limbs, treetops, needles, leaves, etc. improves the health of the trees that remain in
the forest and helps reduce the incidence of wildfires. Biomass creates jobs and
supports local economies by providing new markets for farmers and forest owners.
It can also lessen our dependence on fossil fuels, and under certain conditions, can
reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Biomass is considered a renewable energy source because its inherent energy

comes from the sun and because it can regrow in a relatively short time. Trees take
in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into biomass and when they
die, it is released back into the atmosphere. Whether trees are burned or whether
they decompose naturally, they release the same amount of carbon dioxide into
the atmosphere. The idea is that if trees harvested as biomass are replanted as fast
as the wood is burned, new trees take up the carbon produced by the combustion,
the carbon cycle theoretically remains in balance, and no extra carbon is added to
the atmospheric balance sheetso biomass is arguably considered carbon
neutral. Since nothing offsets the CO2 that fossil fuel burning produces, replacing
fossil fuels with biomass theoretically results in reduced carbon emissions.
In fact, the reality is a lot more complicated. In 2014, the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) found that carbon neutrality cannot be assumed for all
biomass energy a priori. Whether or not biomass is truly carbon neutral depends
on the time frame being studied, what type of biomass is used, the combustion
technology, which fossil fuel is being replaced (since the combustion of both fossil
fuels and biomass produces carbon dioxide), and what forest management
techniques are employed in the areas where the biomass is harvested.
In 2010, a group of prominent scientists wrote to Congress explaining that the

notion that all biomass results in a 100 percent reduction of carbon emissions
iswrong. Biomass can reduce carbon dioxide if fast growing crops are grown on
otherwise unproductive land; in this case, the regrowth of the plants offsets the
carbon produced by the combustion of the crops. But cutting or clearing forests for
energy, either to burn trees or to plant energy crops, releases carbon into the
atmosphere that would have been sequestered had the trees remained untouched,
and the regrowing and thus recapture of carbon can take decades or even a
century. Moreover, carbon is emitted in the combustion process, resulting in a net
increase of CO2.
Nevertheless, biomass energy is currently considered renewable, and thus qualifies

for tax credits, subsidies and incentives in the U.S. These include the Renewable
Electricity Production Tax Credit which pays closed-loop (organic matter planted
exclusively to produce electricity) biomass energy producers $.023 per kilowatt-
hour and open-loop biomass (any other waste or residue) producers $.012 per
kilowatt-hour; and Renewable Energy Certificates wherein every megawatt hour of
electricity generated by biomass earns a credit that can be sold, traded or bartered,
giving its owner the right to claim to have purchased renewable energy. The
Investment Tax Credit will reimburse 30 percent of biomass plant development if
construction is begun by the end of this year, and if operation begins by 2024. And
biomass is eligible for subsidies from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Photo credit: rebuildingdemocracy
In part due to these incentives and the pressure to reduce coal use, energy
companies in the U.S. and Europe are turning to biomass. By 2030, biomass could
account for 60 percent of total final global renewable energy use, according to the
International Renewable Energy Agency.
Most of the new biomass electricity generating plants being proposed in the U.S.
will burn wood. Plants in the Southeast U.S. are churning out wood pellets to meet
Europes increasing need for wood. Last year, wood pellet exports from the
Southeast increased 70 percent; the Southern U.S. is now the largest exporter of
wood pellets in the world. Since there isnt enough logging residue to meet the
increased demand for biomass, many fear that more standing trees will be
chopped and more forests clear-cut.
The new biomass plants produce 38 megawatts of electricity on average, but many
are being built in the 50 to 110 megawatt range. According to the Partnership for
Policy Integrity, a 50-megawatt plant burns 2,550 lb. of green wood each minute. As
an example, the 50-megawatt McNeil plant in Burlington, VT burns 625,000 tons of
green wood from trees and residue each year. Additional wood is needed for co-
firing in coal plants where wood is burned with coal to meet state renewable energy
mandates (resulting in additional carbon emissions), pellet production, and liquid
biofuels. While admittedly most forests will not actually be clear-cut for biomass
energy, the numbers make clear the amount of pressure that will be brought to
bear on our forests.
How is this increase in biomass burning impacting climate change, our health, and
the environment? Todays biomass-burning power plants actually produce more
global warming CO2 than fossil fuel plants: 65 percent more CO2 per megawatt
hour than modern coal plants and 285 percent more CO2 than natural gas
combined cycle plants (which use both a gas and steam turbine together). In
addition, burning wood biomass emits as much, if not more, air pollution than
burning fossil fuelsparticulate matter, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, sulfur
dioxide, lead, mercury, and other hazardous air pollutantswhich can cause cancer
or reproductive effects. The air pollution from biomass facilities, which the
American Heart Association and the American Lung Association have called a
danger to public health, produces respiratory illnesses, heart disease, cancer, and
developmental delays in children.
Heavy machinery compacts soil. Photo credit: David Stanley
Harvesting and removing limbs, leaves and plant parts from forests, which would
normally recycle nutrients back into the soil as they decay, can diminish soil fertility
and hasten erosion. Heavy machinery used for Iogging compacts soil and increases
runoff, which may affect water quality. Removing vegetation from the ground also
impacts wildlife habitats on the forest floor.
For five years, the EPA has been reassessing the climate impacts of biomass
burning; it is still not clear how wood energy will eventually be regulated, but a
decision is expected this year. The agency has been working with scientists to
develop formulas so that states and power plant owners can calculate the climate
impacts of wood fuel.
Members of the U.S. Senate recently proposed an amendment to the Energy Policy
Modernization Act that would deem forest biomass carbon neutral. Under
President Obamas Clean Power Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from
power plants, this measure would make biomass equivalent to zero-emission wind
and solar energy as a replacement for coal. In response, 65 scientists and
stakeholders wrote a letter to the Senate protesting that Granting carbon amnesty
to forest biomass burning for energy could lead to significant depletion of U.S.
forests. The potential implications of declaring carbon neutrality for forest biofuels
are great because even small quantities of bioenergy require large quantities of
wood. The U.S. Energy Information Agency estimates that for each 1 percent
added to current U.S. electricity production from forest biomass an additional 18
percent increase in U.S. forest harvest is required. This policy would also encourage
the destruction of forests in developing countries that would see the U.S. as an
export market.We urge you and other members of the Senate to reconsider this
well-intentioned legislation and eliminate the misrepresentation that forest
bioenergy is carbon-neutral.
As the thinking about biomass continues to evolve, state, federal, and international
regulations need to clearly distinguish between the types of biomass energy that
are beneficial and those that are detrimental. Treating all biomass, regardless of its
source, as carbon neutral, could lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions at
home and around the world. As the scientists said in their 2010 letter to Congress,
the globally improper accounting of bioenergy could lead to large-scale clearing of
the worlds forests any legal measure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions must
include a system to differentiate emissions from bioenergy based on the source of
the biomass.
About Biogas and Biomass
Biogas is manufactured from biomass. Various definitions of potential can apply to biogas in relation to
biomass. These are outlined below.
Theoretical potential refers to the total amount of solar energy embodied annually in plants as a result of the
process of photosynthesis. It is defined according to the rainfall and sunlight a given region receives during a
given season.
Technical potential is that portion of the theoretical biomass potential that is harvestable for biogas under
existing technical and structural conditions. The parameters that define technical potential, in addition to rainfall
and sunlight, include available crop technologies, the distance between the biomass growing site and the
biogas generation site, and the transportability of the biomass.
Economic potential is that portion of the technical potential that can be produced economically.
Economic potential depends on the prices of biomass and biogas, as determined in the market by supply and
demand. Demand for biomass for energetic and above all material uses (such as food for humans and
livestock) plays a deciding role in determining economic potential.
Realisable potential takes into account, among other things, price supports and administrative restrictions on
biomass production. Due to these factors, it is often about half of economic potential.
Biomass Production
Because biogas can in principle be generated from any organic compound, the biomass feedstocks that can be
used to produce biogas are diverse.
Some biomass feedstocks come from farms in the form of plants. Others come from other processes, or from
animals, in the form of waste materials like household garbage and sewer sludge. Biomass suitable for use in
biogas production is called feedstock.
Wastes suitability for use as a feedstocks brings every available organic material into question. Especially
useful for biogas generation are sewer sludge, kitchen rubbish, and liquid manure, which as waste products are
abundant and affordable.
Energy plants
The term energy plants refers to crops that are cultivated especially for the purpose of energy production.
These generally include crops with high photosynthetic rates that grow quickly in the climatic conditions of a
given region. In central Europe, such plants include corn, rapeseed, and rye. Many tropical countries use
sugarcane extensively as an energy plant.
Energy plants for biogas generation
Corn is especially well-adapted for use in biogas facilities, though cereals (such as rye) and/or grass cuttings
are also acceptable. The plants most suitable for use in biogas generation vary from region to region; they must
be chosen with consideration for local conditions. It is important to ensure that local land use changes
associated with energy plant cultivation do not yield negative ecological effects.
I presume you're referring to biogas based electricity generation since you mention that you run a dairy
with about 20 cows. The terms biomass and biogas are sometimes used interchangeably but the two
technologies / processes are entirely different.
The feedstock for biomass based electricity generation is dry agricultural waste such as rice husks or
wood / branches, etc. The process of electricity generation involves converting the feedstock into
producer gas which is consumed by an internal combustion engine to generate electricity. Alternatively,
the material can be burnt directly to generate steam that runs a turbine.
The feedstock for biogas based electricity generation is usually cowdung or kitchen waste (generally
any wet organic waste can be used). This goes through an anaerobic digestion process when mixed with
water of equal volume and generates gas which is primarily methane but also has significant quantity of
CO2 and H2S. Electricity generation requires filtering out CO2 and H2S but cooking applications are
much simpler as the generated gas can be used directly.
With the Biomass plant i think you can sell / umload wood chips there . i think in the manual it will supply
power to a nearby town. The Biogas plant is where you can take chaf , if you plant corn you can make
chaf with the big krone harvester and take it to the biogas plant and unload it in the bunker . When you
have enough in bunker you will have to compact it with a wheel loader and when it is 100% cover it. then
after a couple days it will be ready . then take wheel loader and unload it in the 2 receptacles. It will
produce slurry , which can be used for fertilizing crops.
Biomass
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about biomass as a renewable energy source. For the use of the term in ecology,
see Biomass (ecology).
Part of a series on
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Sugarcane plantation in Brazil.Sugarcane bagasse is a type of biomass.
A cogeneration plant in Metz, France. The station uses waste wood biomass as an energy source, and
provides electricity and heat for 30,000 dwellings.
Stump harvesting increases the recovery of biomass from a forest.
Biomass is organic matter derived from living, or recently living organisms. Biomass can be used as
a source of energy and it most often refers to plants or plant-based materials that are not used for
food or feed, and are specifically called lignocellulosic biomass.[1] As an energy source, biomass can
either be used directly via combustion to produce heat, or indirectly after converting it to various
forms of biofuel. Conversion of biomass to biofuel can be achieved by different methods which are
broadly classified into: thermal, chemical, and biochemical methods.
Contents
[hide]
1Biomass sources
2Comparison of total plant biomass yields (dry basis)
o 2.1World resources
o 2.2Common commodity food crops
o 2.3Woody crops
o 2.4Not yet in commercial planting
o 2.5Genetically modified varieties
3Biomass conversion
o 3.1Thermal conversions
o 3.2Chemical conversion
o 3.3Biochemical conversion
o 3.4Electrochemical conversion
o 3.5In the United States
o 3.6Second-generation biofuels
4Environmental impact
5Supply chain issues
6See also
7References
8External links
Biomass sources[edit]
Eucalyptus in Brazil. Remains of the tree are reused for power generation.
Historically, humans have harnessed biomass-derived energy since the time when people began
burning wood to make fire.[2] Even today, biomass is the only source of fuel for domestic use in many
developing countries. Biomass is all biologically-produced matter based in carbon, hydrogen and
oxygen. The estimated biomass production in the world is 104.9 petagrams (104.9 10 15 g about
105 billion metric tons) of carbon per year, about half in the ocean and half on land. [3]
Wood remains the largest biomass energy source today;[2] examples include forest residues (such as
dead trees, branches and tree stumps), yard clippings, wood chips and even municipal solid waste.
Wood energy is derived by using lignocellulosic biomass (second-generation biofuels) as fuel.
Harvested wood may be used directly as a fuel or collected from wood waste streams to be
processed into pellet fuel or other forms of fuels. The largest source of energy from wood is pulping
liquor or "black liquor," a waste product from processes of the pulp, paper and paperboard industry.
[citation needed]
In the second sense, biomass includes plant or animal matter that can be converted into
fibers or other industrial chemicals, including biofuels. Industrial biomass can be grown from
numerous types of plants, including miscanthus,
[4]
switchgrass, hemp, corn, poplar, willow, sorghum, sugarcane,bamboo,[5] and a variety
of tree species, ranging from eucalyptus to oil palm (palm oil).
Based on the source of biomass, biofuels are classified broadly into two major categories. First-
generation biofuels are derived from sources such as sugarcane and corn starch. Sugars present in
this biomass are fermented to produce bioethanol, an alcohol fuel which can be used directly in
a fuel cell to produce electricity or serve as an additive to gasoline. However, utilizing food-based
resources for fuel production only aggravates the food shortage problem. [6] Second-generation
biofuels, on the other hand, utilize non-food-based biomass sources such as agriculture and
municipal waste. These biofuels mostly consist of lignocellulosic biomass, which is not edible and is
a low-value waste for many industries. Despite being the favored alternative, economical production
of second-generation biofuel is not yet achieved due to technological issues. These issues arise
mainly due to chemical inertness and structural rigidity of lignocellulosic biomass.[7][8][9]
Plant energy is produced by crops specifically grown for use as fuel that offer high biomass output
per hectare with low input energy. Some examples of these plants are wheat, which typically yields
7.58 tonnes of grain per hectare, and straw, which typically yields 3.55 tonnes per hectare in the
UK.[10] The grain can be used for liquid transportation fuels while the straw can be burned to produce
heat or electricity. Plant biomass can also be degraded from cellulose to glucose through a series of
chemical treatments, and the resulting sugar can then be used as a first-generation biofuel.
The main contributors of waste energy are municipal solid waste, manufacturing waste, and landfill
gas. Energy derived from biomass is projected to be the largest non-hydroelectric renewable
resource of electricity in the US between 2000 and 2020.[11]
Biomass can be converted to other usable forms of energy like methane gas or transportation fuels
like ethanol and biodiesel. Rotting garbage, and agricultural and human waste, all release methane
gas, also called landfill gasor biogas. Crops such as corn and sugarcane can be fermented to
produce the transportation fuel ethanol. Biodiesel, another transportation fuel, can be produced from
leftover food products like vegetable oils and animal fats.[12] Several biodiesel companies simply
collect used restaurant cooking oil and convert it into biodiesel. [13] Also, biomass-to-liquids (called
"BTLs") and cellulosic ethanol are still under research. [14][15]
There is research involving algae or algae-derived biomass, as this non-food resource can be
produced at rates five to ten times those of other types of land-based agriculture, such as corn and
soy. Once harvested, it can be fermented to produce biofuels such as ethanol, butanol,
and methane, as well as biodiesel and hydrogen. Efforts are being made to identify which species of
algae are most suitable for energy production. Genetic engineering approaches could also be
utilized to improve microalgae as a source of biofuel. [16]
The biomass used for electricity generation varies by region. Forest by-products, such as wood
residues, are common in the US. Agricultural waste is common in Mauritius (sugar cane residue)
and Southeast Asia (rice husks). Animal husbandry residues, such as poultry litter, are common in
the UK.[17]
As of 2015, a new bioenergy sewage treatment process aimed at developing countries is under trial;
the Omni Processor is a self-sustaining process which uses sewerage solids as fuel in a process to
convert waste water into drinking water, with surplus electrical energy being generated for export. [18][19]
[20]
Comparison of total plant biomass yields (dry basis)[edit]
World resources[edit]
If the total annual primary production of biomass is just over 100 billion (1.0E+11) tonnes of
Carbon /yr,[21] and the energy reserve per tonne of biomass is between about 1.510 3 and
3103 kilowatt hours (5106 and 10106 BTU),[22] or 24.8 TW average, then biomass could in principle
provide 1.4 times the approximate annual 150103 terawatt-hours required for current world energy
consumption.[23] For reference, the total solar power on Earth is 174 PW. The biomass equivalent to
solar energy ratio is 143 ppm (parts per million), given current living system coverage on Earth. The
best currently attainable solar cell efficiency is 2040%. Additionally, Earth's internal radioactive
energy production, largely the driver for volcanic activity, continental drift, etc., is in the same range
of power, 20 TW. At around 50% carbon mass content in biomass, annual production, this
corresponds to about 6% atmospheric carbon content in the form of CO 2 (for the current 400 ppm).
(11011 tonnes biomass annually produced approximately 25 TWh)

Annual world biomass energy equivalent =16.733.4 TWh.
Annual world energy consumption =17.7 TWh. On average, biomass production is 1.4 times
larger than world energy consumption.
Common commodity food crops[edit]
Agave: 121 tons/acre[24]
Alfalfa: 46 tons/acre[25]
Barley: grains 1.62.8 tons/acre, straw 0.92.5 tons/acre, total 2.55.3 tons/acre [26]
Corn: grains 3.24.9 tons/acre, stalks and stovers 2.33.4 tons/acre, total 5.58.3
tons/acre[25]
Jerusalem artichokes: tubers 18 tons/acre, tops 213 tons/acre, total 913 tons/acre [27]
Oats: grains 1.45.4 tons/acre, straw 1.93.2 tons/acre, total 3.38.6 tons/acre [26]
Rye: grains 2.12.4 tons/acre, straw 2.43.4 tons/acre, total 4.55.8 tons/acre [26]
Wheat: grains 1.24.1 tons/acre, straw 1.63.8 tons/acre, total 2.87.9 tons/acre [26]
Woody crops[edit]
Oil palm: fronds 11 ton/acre, whole fruit bunches 1 ton/acre, trunks 30 ton/acre [28]
Not yet in commercial planting[edit]
Giant miscanthus: 515 tons/acre [29]
Sunn hemp: 4.5 tons/acre[30]
Switchgrass: 46 tons/acre[25]
Genetically modified varieties[edit]
Energy Sorghum
Biomass conversion[edit]
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Thermal conversions[edit]
Trends in the top five countries generating electricity from biomass
Biomass briquettes are an example fuel for production of dendrothermal energy
Thermal conversion processes use heat as the dominant mechanism to convert biomass into
another chemical form. Also known as thermal oil heating, it is a type of indirect heating in which
a liquid phase heat transfer medium is heated and circulated to one or more heat energy users
within a closed loop system.[31] The basic alternatives of combustion (torrefaction, pyrolysis,
and gasification) are separated principally by the extent to which the chemical reactions involved
are allowed to proceed (mainly controlled by the availability of oxygen and conversion
temperature).
Energy created by burning biomass is particularly suited for countries where the fuel wood
grows more rapidly, e.g. tropical countries. There are a number of other less common, more
experimental or proprietary thermal processes that may offer benefits such as hydrothermal
upgrading (HTU) and hydroprocessing. Some have been developed for use on high moisture
content biomass, including aqueous slurries, and allow them to be converted into more
convenient forms. Some of the applications of thermal conversion are combined heat and power
(CHP) and co-firing. In a typical dedicated biomass power plant, efficiencies range from 2027%
(higher heating value basis).[32] Biomass cofiring with coal, by contrast, typically occurs at
efficiencies near those of the coal combustor (3040%, higher heating value basis). [33]
Chemical conversion[edit]
A range of chemical processes may be used to convert biomass into other forms, such as to
produce a fuel that is more conveniently used, transported or stored, or to exploit some property
of the process itself. Many of these processes are based in large part on similar coal-based
processes, such as Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, methanol production, olefins (ethylene and
propylene), and similar chemical or fuel feedstocks. In most cases, the first step involves
gasification, which step generally is the most expensive and involves the greatest technical risk.
[34]
Biomass is more difficult to feed into a pressure vessel than coal or any liquid. Therefore,
biomassgasification is frequently done at atmospheric pressure and causes combustion of
biomass to produce a combustible gas consisting of carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and traces
of methane. This gas mixture, called a producer gas, can provide fuel for various vital processes,
such as internal combustion engines, as well as substitute for furnace oil in direct heat
applications.[35] Because any biomass material can undergo gasification, this process is far more
attractive than ethanol or biomass production, where only particular biomass materials can be
used to produce a fuel. In addition, biomass gasification is a desirable process due to the ease
at which it can convert solid waste (such as wastes available on a farm) into producer gas,
which is a very usable fuel.[35]
Conversion of biomass to biofuel can also be achieved via selective conversion of individual
components of biomass.[36] For example, cellulose can be converted to intermediate platform
chemical such a sorbitol,[37]glucose,[38] hydroxymethylfurfural[39] etc. These chemical are then
further reacted to produce hydrogen or hydrocarbon fuels.[40]
Biomass also has the potential to be converted to multiple commodity

chemicals. Halomethanes have successfully been by produced using a combination of A.
fermentans and engineered S. cerevisiae.[41] This method converts NaX salts and unprocessed
biomass such as switchgrass, sugarcane, corn stover, or poplar into halomethanes. S-
adenosylmethionine which is naturally occurring in S. cerevisiae allows a methyl group to be
transferred. Production levels of 150 mg L-1H-1 iodomethane were achieved. At these levels
roughly 173000L of capacity would need to be operated just to replace the United States need
for iodomethane.[41] However, an advantage of this method is that it uses NaI rather than I2; NaI
is significantly less hazardous than I2. This method may be applied to produce ethylene in the
future.
Other chemical processes such as converting straight and waste vegetable oils into biodiesel
is transesterification.[42]
Biochemical conversion[edit]
As biomass is a natural material, many highly efficient biochemical processes have developed in
nature to break down the molecules of which biomass is composed, and many of these
biochemical conversion processes can be harnessed.
Biochemical conversion makes use of the enzymes of bacteria and other microorganisms to
break down biomass into gaseous or liquid fuels, such a biogas or bioethanol. [43] In most cases,
microorganisms are used to perform the conversion process: anaerobic digestion, fermentation,
and composting.
Electrochemical conversion[edit]
In addition to combustion, biomass/biofuels can be directly converted to electrical energy via

electrochemical (electrocatalytic) oxidation of the material. This can be performed directly in
a direct carbon fuel cell,[44] direct liquid fuel cells such as direct ethanol fuel cell, a direct
methanol fuel cell, a direct formic acid fuel cell, a L-ascorbic Acid Fuel Cell (vitamin C fuel cell),
[45]
and a microbial fuel cell.[46] The fuel can also be consumed indirectly via a fuel cell system
containing a reformer which converts the biomass into a mixture of CO and H2 before it is
consumed in the fuel cell.[47]
In the United States[edit]
The biomass power generating industry in the United States consists of approximately
11,000 MW of summer operating capacity actively supplying power to the grid, and produces
about 1.4 percent of the U.S. electricity supply.[48]
Public Service of New Hampshire (later merged with other companies into Eversource) in 2006
replaced a 50 MW coal boiler with a new 50 MW biomass boiler at its Schiller Station facility in
Portsmouth, NH.[49] The boiler's biomass fuel is from sources in NH, Massachusetts and Maine.
Currently, the New Hope Power Partnership is the largest biomass power plant in the U.S. The
140 MW facility uses sugarcane fiber (bagasse) and recycled urban wood as fuel to generate
enough power for its large milling and refining operations as well as to supply electricity for
nearly 60,000 homes.[50][51]
Second-generation biofuels[edit]
Second-generation biofuels were not (in 2010) produced commercially, but a considerable
number of research activities were taking place mainly in North America, Europe and also in
some emerging countries. These tend to use feedstock produced by rapidly
reproducing enzymes or bacteria from various sources including excrement[52] grown in cell
cultures or hydroponics.[53][54] There is huge potential for second generation biofuels but non-
edible feedstock resources are highly under-utilized.[55]
Environmental impact[edit]
Using biomass as a fuel produces air pollution in the form of carbon monoxide, carbon
dioxide, NOx (nitrogen oxides), VOCs (volatile organic compounds), particulates and other
pollutants at levels above those from traditional fuel sources such as coal or natural gas in some
cases (such as with indoor heating and cooking).[56][57][58] Utilization of wood biomass as a fuel can
also produce fewer particulate and other pollutants than open burning as seen in wildfires or
direct heat applications.[59] Black carbon a pollutant created by combustion of fossil fuels,
biofuels, and biomass is possibly the second largest contributor to global warming. [60]:5657 In
2009 a Swedish study of the giant brown haze that periodically covers large areas in South Asia
determined that it had been principally produced by open burning of biomass, and to a lesser
extent by fossil-fuel burning.[61] Researchers measured a significant concentration of 14C (Carbon-
14), which is associated with recent plant life rather than with fossil fuels. [62]
Biomass power plant size is often driven by biomass availability in close proximity as transport
costs of the (bulky) fuel play a key factor in the plant's economics. It has to be noted, however,
that rail and especially shipping on waterways can reduce transport costs significantly, which has
led to a global biomass market.[63] To make small plants of 1 MWel economically profitable those
power plants need to be equipped with technology that is able to convert biomass to useful
electricity with high efficiency such as ORC technology, a cycle similar to the water steam power
process just with an organic working medium. Such small power plants can be found in Europe.
[64][65][66][67]
On combustion, the carbon from biomass is released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide
(CO2). The amount of carbon stored in dry wood is approximately 50% by weight. [68] However,
according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, plant matter used as a
fuel can be replaced by planting for new growth. When the biomass is from forests, the time to
recapture the carbon stored is generally longer, and the carbon storage capacity of the forest
may be reduced overall if destructive forestry techniques are employed. [69][70][71][72]
Industry professionals claim that a range of issues can affect a plant's ability to comply with
emissions standards. Some of these challenges, unique to biomass plants, include inconsistent
fuel supplies and age. The type and amount of the fuel supply are completely reliant factors; the
fuel can be in the form of building debris or agricultural waste (such as removal of invasive
species or orchard trimmings). Furthermore, many of the biomass plants are old, use outdated
technology and were not built to comply with todays stringent standards. In fact, many are
based on technologies developed during the term of U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who created
the United States Department of Energy in 1977.[2]
The U.S. Energy Information Administration projected that by 2017, biomass is expected to be
about twice as expensive as natural gas, slightly more expensive than nuclear power, and much
less expensive than solar panels.[73] In another EIA study released, concerning the governments
plan to implement a 25% renewable energy standard by 2025, the agency assumed that 598
million tons of biomass would be available, accounting for 12% of the renewable energy in the
plan.[74]
The adoption of biomass-based energy plants has been a slow but steady process. Between the
years of 2002 and 2012 the production of these plants has increased 14%. [75] In the United
States, alternative electricity-production sources on the whole generate about 13% of power; of
this fraction, biomass contributes approximately 11% of the alternative production. [76] According
to a study conducted in early 2012, of the 107 operating biomass plants in the United States, 85
have been cited by federal or state regulators for the violation of clean air or water standards
laws over the past 5 years. This data also includes minor infractions.[75]
Despite harvesting, biomass crops may sequester carbon. For example, soil organic carbon has
been observed to be greater in switchgrass stands than in cultivated cropland soil, especially at
depths below 12 inches.[77] The grass sequesters the carbon in its increased root biomass.
Typically, perennial crops sequester much more carbon than annual crops due to much greater
non-harvested living biomass, both living and dead, built up over years, and much less soil
disruption in cultivation.
The proposal that biomass is carbon-neutral put forward in the early 1990s has been
superseded by more recent science that recognizes that mature, intact forests sequester carbon
more effectively than cut-over areas. When a tree's carbon is released into the atmosphere in a
single pulse, it contributes to climate change much more than woodland timber rotting slowly
over decades. Current studies indicate that "even after 50 years the forest has not recovered to
its initial carbon storage" and "the optimal strategy is likely to be protection of the standing
forest".[78][not in citation given][79][80]
The pros and cons of biomass usage regarding carbon emissions may be quantified with
the ILUC factor. There is controversy surrounding the usage of the ILUC factor.[81]
Forest-based biomass has recently come under fire from a number of environmental
organizations, including Greenpeace and the Natural Resources Defense Council, for the
harmful impacts it can have on forests and the climate. Greenpeace recently released a report
entitled "Fuelling a BioMess"[82] which outlines their concerns around forest-based biomass.
Because any part of the tree can be burned, the harvesting of trees for energy production
encourages whole-tree harvesting, which removes more nutrients and soil cover than regular
harvesting, and can be harmful to the long-term health of the forest. In some jurisdictions, forest
biomass removal is increasingly involving elements essential to functioning forest ecosystems,
including standing trees, naturally disturbed forests and remains of traditional logging operations
that were previously left in the forest. Environmental groups also cite recent scientific research
which has found that it can take many decades for the carbon released by burning biomass to
be recaptured by regrowing trees, and even longer in low productivity areas; furthermore,
logging operations may disturb forest soils and cause them to release stored carbon. [citation needed] In
light of the pressing need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the short term in order to
mitigate the effects of climate change, a number of environmental groups are opposing the
large-scale use of forest biomass in energy production. [82][83]
The difference between biomass, biodiesel and

biogas
July 15, 2011
Society is becoming increasingly aware of incorporating eco-friendliness into its agenda, especially
when it comes to transportation, heating or cooling in the office. For this reason, many people are
beginning to notice the acronym "bio" more frequently during energy-related topics. However, some
may not realize that there is a difference between terms like biomass, biodiesel and biogas.
Biodiesel is a fuel that's primarily used for transportation through the use of hybrid cars or trucks.
This source can significantly reduce a company's carbon footprint without requiring major vehicular
adaptions.
Biogas is becoming an ideal alternative for natural gas, which is currently putting a strain on many
homeowner's wallets. This source is produced from plant or animal waste, or often a balanced
combination of both, to provide reliable home heating.
Biomass, on the other hand, is simply the raw materials that can be used to produce biofuels. Sugar
cane, wood residue and soybeans are some of the most commonly used biomass on the market.
By gaining a deeper understanding of alternative fuels and energy sources that can reduce carbon
footprints, society will likely be able to slow down the consequences of global warming and make the
environment a stabler place for future generations.
What is the difference between energy from

biomass and biogas?
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Best Answer: Wood burning is an example of energy from biomass. Biogas is

methane usually generated from the general decomposing of biomass. The
difference is obvious, is it not?
What is the difference between Biomass and Biogas

generated energy?
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1 Answer
0 Biomass generated energy initially goes through pyrolysis and gasification
process to generate a gas mixture that then is burned in a separate part of the
same vessel to produce energy. All of the energy is generated from the
biomass (solid organic matter) fed to the boiler system. Biogas generated
energy initially gets released from a digestion process, in the presence of bugs,
in a gas mixture form rich in methane. Subsequently this gas is treated and
only then burned in order to extract the final energy content. The gas is
generated at much lower temperature than in the biomass process.
BIOENERGY
19 January 2015
In Australia, over two thirds of our bioenergy is sourced from sugarcane waste.1
Bioenergy is energy produced from recently living organic matter, known as biomass.
Biomass can also be converted into liquid (biofuels) and gaseous fuels (biogas) to power electricity
generation and heating systems and to provide fuel for transportation.
Biomass can be any plant or animal matter, but six types are generally used to produce energy.
TYPES OF BIOMASS
Wood waste
Bark, sawdust and straw.
Black liquor
By-product formed during paper manufacturing.
Biogas
Composed mainly of methane and is captured from landfill sites and sewage plants.
Energy crops
Crops grown specifically for energy production, like algae and grass.
Commercial crop residues

Sugarcane (bagasse), sweet sorghum, wheat and vegetable oils such as sunflower and canola.
Municipal solid waste

Household garbage and prunings.
Why biomass isn't a fossil fuel
Biomass and fossil fuels differ mostly in age. Yes, they are both formed from once-living matter, but
the organisms that form fossil fuels lived and absorbed carbon millions of years ago under different
environmental conditions.
When fossil fuels are burned, the carbon is released into the atmosphere, but it takes millions of
years to be re-absorbed and form new fossil fuels. This means that fossil fuels are adding more
carbon to the atmosphere than what is being removed.
Because biomass has a shorter lifecycle, the carbon released when its burned is the same amount
absorbed during its lifetime.2 The process of producing (growing, harvesting) and converting the
biomass does not produce any extra carbon dioxide. This is known as a closed carbon loop and
qualifies biomass as a carbon-neutral energy source.
Source: New South Wales Department of Trade and Investment 2013. 3
Another big difference
The other big difference between biomass and fossil fuels is that biomass is a renewable
energy source because the plant and animal matter it comes from can be regrown or reproduced.
Where does bioenergy fit in the energy mix?
Bioenergy currently accounts for nearly one percent of Australia's electricity production (about 2,500
GWh per year), and around 11 percent of all renewable electricity production.4
Electricity generation in Australia's National Electricity Market (NEM) 4
Are you wondering how biomass is converted into useful energy? You can read about the different
types of technologies helping this happen here.

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DON MOEN LYRICS

Thirsty for more you

You're the river of love

Heal me and I'll be healed

You're the river of love

If anyone is thirsty let him come on in

You're the river of love

You're the river of love

Giving your life and love

"I Give Myself Away"

"Energetic" redirects here. For other uses, see Energetic (disambiguation).

This lead needs additional citations for verification. Please

o 6.1Conservation of energy and mass in transformation

o 6.2Reversible and non-reversible transformations

o 9.2First law of thermodynamics

Fossil Fuel Creation

Fossil Fuel as Energy

Disadvantages of Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuel Alternatives: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

These are sometimes known instead as mineral fuels.

The burning of fossil fuels by humans is the largest source of emissions of

A small portion of hydrocarbon-based fuels are biofuels derived from

How Fossil Fuels were Formed

Fossil fuels, however, were once alive!

Advantages of Fossil Fuels

Fossil fuels are very easy to find.

Power plants that utilize gas are very efficient.

Disadvantages of Fossil Fuels

Environmentally, the mining of coal results in the destruction of wide areas of

on 9 April, 2014 at 14:00

THE 8 ADVANTAGES OF FOSSIL FUEL

3. Fossil fuels are very cost effective, especially coal.

THE 2 DISADVANTAGES OF FOSSIL FUELS

What are fossil fuels?

It is estimated that fossil fuels will last...

Oil - approximately 56 years

... unless we find some more.

Benefits of anaerobic digestion and biogas

Production of renewable power through combined heat and power cogeneration

Anaerobic Digestion / Biogas Plant 3D Model

The ratio of carbohydrates, proteins and fats in the feedstock

Biogas engine electrical output

Biologically-derived gases can be utilised in biogas engines to generate renewable power

High grade heat as engine exhaust gas (typically ~450C)

Minimum Flow Rate

We have specific pages related to:

Water can be removed from the gas by using:

Gas dehumidification (drying) units.

Processes for the removal of hydrogen sulphide include

Activated carbon filters

How you can help

35% CO2. It is a renewable energy resulting from biomass.

Resources of biogas in the world

today is that of 0,5% of the total potential.

Biogas resources in the world

Fermentation (or anaerobic digestion)

the micro-organisms also known as anaerobe.

Energetic valorisation of biogas

of the benefit, and have savings compared to fossile fuels.

Engineering office and constructor of biogas plants

o Electric valorisation of biogas

o Biogas heating network

o Success of a biogas plant