Biomass Energy is On the Rise!

Definition of biomass energy may sometimes be confusing as it is used interchangeable with the words biofuel and bioenergy. Biomass belongs to what we call alternative energy resources and is derived from material contained in living organisms.

It is organic material derived from plant photosynthesis.

It is also defined as material that one can extract energy from.

The materials can be made into liquid, gaseous and solid forms.

Energy crops are typically high yielding crops with low inputs that will be used to make biofuel or burnt to generate electricity or heat. They are usually categorized as woody and grassy (herbaceous) crops.

Information on Crops

I'll tell you here about pros and cons on different alternative fuel sources being used for biomass energy. For my special purpose I have made the distinction of feedstocks on having more or less potential for being a "sustainable" renewable energy resource.

As we know, a renewable resource isn't automatically sustainable.

BE AWARE that knowledge and research improve, so the information here is far from static! Big changes appear pretty quickly in this field.

Feedstocks mainly used for making biodiesel are not included.

BUT sometimes different parts of a crop can be used in different ways, so don't get confused if you see a feedstock here that you know is used for biodiesel as well. There are no strict lines.

Feedstock with More Potential:
Algae - Black Locust Tree(Robinia pseudoacacia) - Moringa Tree - Poplar - Seaweed - Sweet Sorghum - Switchgrass - Willow(Salix)

Feedstock with Less Potential:
Corn(Maize) - Sugar Cane

More and more feedstock will be included, so keep coming back!

Negative Critics

The current legislation in European Union considers biomass a carbon neutral source of energy which raises concerns among many environmentalist and respected NGO:s. In a report made by 11 concerned NGO:s it is said that studies demonstrate that such an assumption on carbon neutrality overlooks:

"emissions from biomass extraction and from land-use changes
(both direct and indirect), and the time difference between
emissions from combustion and re-absorption through re-growth".

The same report even concludes that in the European context "biomass used for energy should be seen as a 'last resort' and only used in the most efficient way." Conclusions made with regards to biodiversity, resilience and long term sustainability for forests and land resources in European countries.

YOU MAY SAY: All these critics, all these negative stuff. And yes, you are right!

But it is important that we face the stark reality to be able to make the best choices. And in doing that we must be critical and keep us informed.

An important matter is whether the demand for biomass energy can be met from domestic sources. It is not sustainable and ethically acceptable to constantly rely on sources from abroad.

Western countries are already using up far too much
of the global natural resources.

Biomass competes with the same water resources used for agriculture. Many poor regions of the world are already water scarce. Agrochemicals and nitrogen fertilizer can further reduce water quality.

All this affects food security.

Positive Critics

Some estimate that the potential for renewable energy jobs in the "biofuel" energy sector is higher than for other renewable energy resources. One reason is that it is usually more labour intensive.

In some countries with geographic difficulties where many people don't have access to electricity, biofuel energy could provide a local energy source.

Such a secure energy source could contribute to rural development with positive effects on poverty reduction.

Biomass energy has a great potential BUT as I think you may understand by now: lots of considerations has to be done - to get the advantage of renewable energy that we like to see.

And we need to diversify.

We need to combine bioenergy with wind, hydro and solar energy technology and others. It is when we diversify we can create a more sustainable world and meet the unpredictable future.

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FERN. 2011 April. Woody Biomass for Energy: NGO Concerns and Recommendations. http://www.fern.org/node/4950


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