Biomass energy potential

Biomass Energy and the Future of Power

A major goal of in the energy sector has been to find better methods of energy generation to replace the polluting energy sources used in the past. Biomass energy is one of the most promising new technologies that will reduce the dependence of society on non-renewable energy.

Biomass energy is a renewable source, unlike traditional non-renewable sources of power.

Renewable energy is a source of energy that can be replaced as quickly as it is used. Non-renewable energy is energy derived from a resource that cannot be replaced and will thus grow ever harder to obtain.

Non-renewable energy sources include fossil fuels, such as coal or oil, and nuclear energy. While many people ask, “is nuclear energy renewable?” the answer is no. Like fossil fuels, nuclear fission requires the extraction and refining of irreplaceable mineral resources.

Renewable energy sources derive from resources that can be replaced or that cannot be exhausted. Hydropower and geothermal power are examples of forms of renewable energy that do not require any actual “fuel,” utilizing the heat of the earth or force of water power running turbines to produce electricity. By using energy produced by such renewable resources, the cost of generation can be reduced. For example, the cost per KWh (Kilowatt-hour) for hydroelectric power is $0.03, cheaper than coal ($0.04/KWh) and far cheaper than natural gas’ $0.10/KWh price. This does not take the environmental costs of extracting coal and natural gas into consideration.

Energy from the sun, while costing $0.40/KWh, is a technology that is continuing to radically improve, making it more attractive to the renewable energy world. Especially as world energy consumption grows, new energy systems like solar will continue to become more attractive.

Biomass energy has the advantage that it produces energy that can be used for a variety of purposes. For example, biomass plants can produce petroleum substitutes for vehicles. Biomass energy may be produced directly, by processing algae or plants for biofuel, or indirectly, such as by using animal wastes to generate gas products. This provides a long-term source of energy that is constantly renewable and competitive in price with fossil fuels.

Current biofuels can compete with traditional fuels in terms of price, with further development continuing to reduce the cost of biomass-generated fuels. Such sources of renewable energies will be vital in a world facing an ever more serious energy crisis. Furthermore, biomass energy has a minimal impact on the environment.

Algae based forms of biomass renewable energy systems can be grown in skyscrapers and thus will have a small impact on the environment.

Biomass derived from human and animal waste can minimize the need for landfills, even as it converts the waste into power. This biomass energy potential is further enhanced by the ability to easily expand biomass power generation systems, rather than remaining dependant on increasingly rare and difficult to exploit non-renewable energy sources.

Currently, biomass energy provides nearly over 14% of the global energy in the 21st century, and most nations continue to expand their use of biomass. Sweden is one of the most intensive users of biomass, with over 30% of total national energy and 11% of the electrical power being generated from biomass sources. In America, biomass energy makes up about 4% of the total energy budget.

In the future, as fossil, nuclear, and other non-renewable and polluting resources continue to grow in expense, biomass will become the most important of the renewable energy sources. With the ability to expand as the world demands more power, without damaging the environment, biomass energy will soon come to dominate the future energy sector.