2minute read• Graham Lumley • Last update January 2024
Share this article
In this article
Benefits of Biomass Energy
There are several positive attributes to the use of biomass for power generation, including the renewable nature of course materials, the focus on carbon neutrality goals, waste reduction, and job creation.
Renewable
Once depleted, it’s impossible to replace fossil fuels like coal and oil. In contrast, the organic materials used in biomass conversion can be continually grown and harvested, presenting more viable longterm energy possibilities.
When new biomass is grown to replace harvested materials, it absorbs a comparable amount of carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. Experts believe biomass can reduce greenhouse gas output by up to 90%.
This equilibrium results in a close-to-closed carbon loop, making biomass energy a potentially carbon-neutral option when managed efficiently.
Waste Reduction and Utilization
Food waste alone in the US adds up to nearly 60 million tons annually. Biomass energy can utilize these organic materials along with agricultural residues and forestry by-products, mitigating the need for more resource-heavy waste disposal methods like landfill sites.
However, the burning of biomass that could be used elsewhere, such as fertilization, doesn’t pose as much of a net positive.
Job Creation
From cultivating and harvesting biomass materials and the operation and maintenance of biomass power plants to the development of new biomass-related technologies and research initiatives, the potential for job creation across various stages of the supply chain is diverse.
Despite its abundant nature, biomass energy is not without its drawbacks, prompting a critical examination of the following environmental and societal implications.
Land Use and Deforestation
The need for large-scale cultivation to secure ample biomass renewable energy resources raises viable concerns about land use and deforestation. Plus, some biomass crops produce only 500 to 1000 liters of biodiesel fuel per hectare, meaning life-cycle production and transport emissions may ultimately exceed those of traditional fossil fuels.
Competition with Food Production
Striking a balance between bioenergy production and food security requires careful consideration. As the global demand for bioenergy crops rises, competition for arable land intensifies, potentially encroaching on areas traditionally used for food production, leading to challenges in food security.
Air Pollution
Converting biomass by burning releases carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, contributing to air pollution.
The production, transportation, and utilization of biomass energy require substantial amounts of water, fertilizers, and energy. So much so, that it may counterbalance the perceived environmental benefits, putting the net benefits of biopower under scrutiny.
It’s no secret that global concerns over climate change have escalated in recent years. But what you might not know is that ongoing discussions regarding sustainable energy solutions have led to a reevaluation of nuclear power, with small modular reactors emerging as a viable option. But, precisely what is a…
Texans can save up to $500 per year by switching to BKV Energy.
Explore affordable electricity plans.
Manage Cookie Consent
We use cookies to give you the best experience possible while visiting our website. By continuing, you agree to our privacy policy and understand our terms of use on our website.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.