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Biomass, also known as biofuels or bioenergy, is material from living sources. The simplest biomass energy sources are plants, which can be burned to produce steam to turn a turbine.
The carbon dioxide released during burning biomass is absorbed by the replacement plants. Biomass is said to be
‘carbon neutral’ and does not add to global warming.
What is biomass? Examples…
Traditionally, wood is burned to give heat but trees grow slowly and require a lot of land. Other materials, such as poultry farm waste, can also be burned.
Biomass fuels are renewable as more plants can be grown, producing yet more biomass.
Methane is a biogas, which can be used a replacement for natural gas. This biofuel can be produced by making use of the natural decomposition of organic waste material.
How can waste create biofuel?
Methane can be produced from concentrations of rotting sewage or manure stored in containers called anaerobic digesters. These can be readily used in remote places, such as this digester on a pig farm.
Another source of methane is the rotting organic waste buried underground in landfill sites. The gas can be drawnup through pipes to generate electricity or provide heat.
Scenario• You work for an electricity company, “El
Power”, who uses Fossil Fuels to produce most of your power. You want to become greener and are planning to produce 10% of your power using Biofuels to become greener and attract new customers.
Task• Write a speech to the board of directors of
your company outlining (ALL) what biofuels are, (MOST) how they make electricity and are carbon neutral and (SOME) explain their advantages and disadvantages.