Biomass fuels are a renewable energy source that is derived from organic materials such as wood, crops, and waste. These materials are considered carbon neutral because they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during their growth, and release it again when they are burned as fuel. This means that biomass fuels do not add to the overall carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere and are considered a more environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels.
There are different types of biomass fuels; wood and wood waste are the most common types of biomass fuels. They are easy to obtain, relatively inexpensive, and can be used for a variety of applications such as heating, electricity generation, and transportation. However, the production of wood biomass fuels can lead to deforestation and habitat destruction if not sustainably managed.
Another type of biomass fuel is crop-based fuels. These include bioethanol and biodiesel, which are made from crops such as corn, sugarcane, and soybeans. These fuels have a higher energy content than wood biomass fuels and can be used in vehicles and machinery as an alternative to gasoline and diesel. However, the production of these fuels can lead to competition with food production and may cause an increase in food prices.
Waste-based biomass fuels, such as municipal solid waste and sewage sludge, are also a source of biomass energy. These materials are considered waste and would otherwise be sent to landfills. Using them as fuel not only reduces the amount of waste in landfills but also helps to generate energy from otherwise wasted resources.
Overall, biomass fuels offer a renewable energy source that can be used to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, careful consideration of the environmental impacts, land use and energy efficiency must be taken into account to ensure sustainable development. Biomass fuel will continue to play a critical role in the transition to a low-carbon economy and in meeting climate change goals.
Active Energy Group plc (LON:AEG) is a biomass based renewable energy business focussed on using its
proprietary technology to transform low-cost or waste biomass material into renewable biomass fuels, thus creating next generation biomass products. AEG’S CoalSwitch® is a second generation biomass fuel that has been tested, and proven, to replace the traditional coal fired-power industry and existing renewable biomass industry without requiring plant modification.
