Alternative Energy Resource: Biomass - Essay Example

Biomass Biomass refers to the organic matter present in trees, agricultural crops, manure, agricultural, forest and animal wastes, organic municipal wastes and other plants all of which use the solar energy from the sun to convert the carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere to carbohydrates (Biomass energy, 2009; Cruikshank, n.d; Biomass, 2004). When these trees and plants perish the stored carbohydrates decay and are released as carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. The process of using the energy thus released constitutes the biomass energy resource which is a form of renewable energy as new trees and plants grow and replenish the resource in contrast to fossil fuels which are non-renewable (Biomass energy, 2009; Cruikshank, n.d). Biomass energy also referred to as biofuels does not cause an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide released in to the atmosphere as the growth of plant and trees use the same atmospheric carbon dioxide and due to this closed carbon dioxide cycle biomass energy does not contribute to climatic changes or global warming (Biomass energy, 2009; Guide to Small Scale Biomass, n.d). The biofuels can be produced in solid, liquid and gaseous forms thus permitting their use in a variety of applications (Cruikshank, n.d; Biomass, 2004). And based on the source used biomass is classified as woody biomass which include wood trimmings, untreated wood waste from sawmills, straw wastes from agriculture and grass. The other category, non-woody biomass, includes animal wastes, industrial and agricultural wastes and energy crops (Guide to Small Scale Biomass, n.d). The energy derived from biomass is being used to generate electricity and power and are also used as liquid transportation fuels such as biodiesel (Biomass program, 2009). There have been several methods that are being employed to generate energy using biomass. One of the most commonly used methods is direct combustion using furnaces which involves the direct burning of biomass materials and the heat release can be used to produce electricity. While high energy crops are a good source for direct combustion process growing them in large quantities is practically not feasible and hence alternative methods of biomass energy generation have also been used (Biomass energy, 2009; Biomass, 2004; Biomass, n.d). Direct combustion in boilers transfer the heat liberated in to steam which can be used for electricity or mechanical energy (Biomass energy, 2009). The chemical conversion of vegetable oils such as canola and soybeans to biodiesel and corn to ethanol can be used instead of the conventional gasoline to power engines (Biomass, 2004; Texas Biomass Energy, n.d). This process utilizes oilseed crops from which the oil is extracted through mechanical press or solvent extraction and then used as a biofuel. Vegetable oils from corn or safflower can be directly used as diesel after a simple transesterification process to reduce its viscosity (Biomass energy, 2009). Heating of biomass materials at high temperatures, in the absence of oxygen, results in the production of gases such as methane and carbon monoxide (Biomass, 2004; Biomass, n.d). In another process called fast pyrolysis the biomass particles are heated rapidly at high temperatures resulting in production of liquid pyrolysis oil and little gas. The oil thus produced can be used as a synthetic fuel (Biomass energy, 2009). In the process of anaerobic digestion of biomass materials, municipal and animal waste products are kept in airtight tanks called digesters maintained at temperatures optimum for growth of particular microbes which digest the biomass under anaerobic conditions and naturally generate methane and carbon dioxide which can be used as an energy source (Biomass energy, 2009; Biomass, 2004; Biomass, n.d). Another method of biomass energy production is fermentation which is used in the production of ethanol and unlike anaerobic digestion, the biochemical process of fermentation takes place in the presence of oxygen. In this aerobic process specific enzymes are used to convert crops such as corn and barley to ethanol which is then blended with gasoline and the resulting gasohol can be used to fuel vehicles. Studies have revealed that this blending of ethanol and gasoline has caused a significant reduction in carbon monoxide emission (Biomass, 2004). Trees and grasses which also yield high energy are also used for the fermentation process (Biomass energy, 2009; Biomass, 2004; Biomass, n.d). Countries such as Brazil and the US have successfully used gasohol as a good alternative to conventional gasoline (Biomass, n.d). Only vehicles which have been suitable modified can run on 100% ethanol (Biomass energy, 2009). The efficient use of biomass as an energy source has several cost and environmental benefits attached to it. The most widely used source for the production of biomass energy is wood and if the efficiency of its conversion to electricity is similar as that of coal then several benefits can be obtained with the use of wood (Environmental and Social Benefits, n.d). The most important benefit is reduced release of air-borne pollutants and emission of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides which causes acid rain, less release of ozone-forming chemicals all of which contribute to global warming; hence the low-carbon biomass fuel is would be an ideal alternative (Biomass energy, 2009; Biomass, 2004; Guide to Small Scale Biomass, n.d; Environmental and Social Benefits, n.d; Graham et al, n.d). The used of woody resources such as dead wood in the production of biomass energy, also decreases the risk of forest fire which could also contribute to air pollution (Biomass energy, 2009). Dense forests have also increased the risk of forest fire and hence thinning the trees and the subsequent used of the thinning in biomass energy production would serve to protect forests and its dependent wildlife as well as the environment at large (Biomass energy, 2009). Additionally use of woody biomass and other crops for producing energy requires extensive plantation of these energy crops which in turn have several benefits associated. Biomass plantations in heavily-grazed pastures or degraded lands help to protect the land against erosion, reduction of floods, maintain quality of water, reduced use of fertilizers and other chemicals, improve soil properties and preserve wildlife (Environmental and Social Benefits, n.d). Another important distinguishing feature is that biomass energy is renewable unlike that of fossil fuels (Biomass energy, 2009; Cruikshank, n.d; Biomass, 2004; Guide to Small Scale Biomass, n.d; Biomass program, 2009; Texas Biomass Energy, n.d; Biomass, n.d). It also helps to recycle the atmospheric carbon dioxide (Biomass energy, 2009; Biomass, 2004). Additionally, biomass materials are available locally and hence this reduces the fuel transportation or supply process and in turn increases local business opportunities and also helps to support the economy of the rural sector through job opportunities (Biomass energy, 2009; Graham et al, n.d). Use of agricultural and forest wastes, which would otherwise constitute as landfill, as biomass energy sources has drastically reduced cost for disposal of these waste materials. When left untreated such livestock manure can also transmit diseases through the microbes present in them to humans and other animals (Biomass energy, 2009). And in order to replenish biomass resources plantation of trees and plants and their maintenance will indirectly be beneficial to the biodiversity (Biomass energy, 2009; Guide to Small Scale Biomass, n.d; Environmental and Social Benefits, n.d). The biofuels produced from these sources are more efficient and viable compared to conventional fuels as they only contribute to the atmospheric carbon dioxide levels (Biomass energy, 2009; Biomass, n.d). In addition to carbon dioxide, methane emitted from landfills and other human activities also contributes to global warming, but when the biomass derived methane is channeled and used as a source of energy their environmental risk is considerable reduced (Biomass energy, 2009). However, compared to the benefits of biomass energy, the cost of production and conversion in to the required energy type is still an expensive process. The gasification and turbine facilities that are being employed to produce energy from biomass are also expensive. When agricultural crops such as corn and wheat are used, the cost is considerable high when compared to those produced from agricultural or industrial wastes (Cruikshank, n.d; Graham et al, n.d). The United States Department of Energy (DOE) have suggested that biomass crops such as poplar and willow can be grown even on fragile land to make the cultivation cost effective and if coupled with less expensive energy production processes, biomass could provide a stiff competition to fossil fuels. Comparative production estimates from the DOE and Oak Ridge National Laboratories (ORNL) show the yields that can be achieved using the current technology, with improved management and clonal selection and with sustained genetic improvements programs. The projected yields are on an ascending pattern with every improved technology. The estimates have also shown that with improved yields the biomass supply costs have decreased. The overall cost of biomass energy production can be lowered with the advent of new, improved and cheaper production facilities. The report also states that successful research programs conducted on improving biomass production coupled with a subsequent rise in fossil fuel prices and incentive policies from the government could all help in the expansion of the biomass industry (Cruikshank, n.d; Graham et al, n.d). The production of energy from biomass materials can have an environmental impact if the amount of carbon dioxide produced during the production process is considerably more that that absorbed by trees and plants through photosynthesis when more woody biomass are being used in fuel production. This accumulating carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere can have an adverse effect on the climatic conditions. Hence deforestation of woody resources for biofuel production should be kept under check (Cruikshank, n.d; Biomass, 2004). When natural forests are destroyed and used for plantation of short-rotation biomass it could be associated with several negative environmental impacts such as reduced water quality, soil water-holding, increased erosion, degradation of soil quality, and reduced biodiversity which would also affect wildlife. As a result several environmental groups are recommending that environmental guidelines be adopted for biomass plantations. One of the main proposals include plantation of biomass existing agricultural or other degraded lands without disturbing forest areas (Biomass program, 2009). Hence several measures have been adopted in countries like the US to ensure wise and successful cultivation of biomass without disturbing natural habitats. In addition to determining biomass energy is associated with low emissions and will not have any adverse affect on land, air and water quality, their usefulness in maintaining ecological and biological integrity and diversity should also be ascertained. Some of the guidelines proposed for biomass plantation by the National Biofuels Roundtable in the US include maintaining native ecosystem, following natural vegetation patterns, design a system that will allow animals to move between habitats, and use plantation of energy crops to improve the quality of native crops. Another important factor is to establish plantations according to the local cultural, political and agricultural practices in order to ensure steady labor for maintaining the plantation as if the local community is able to understand and integrate with the plantation practices it will be mutually beneficial to both the community and plantation in the long run. On the scientific front development of multipurpose trees which would have several utilities as biomass source, fodder and enhance soil properties using genetic and biotechnological methods can be a viable option in future. It should also be ensured that agricultural practices are not affected as a result of biomass plantations (Environmental and Social Benefits, n.d). One of the most significant strides made in the US is the Food, Conservation and Energy Act which was passed in 2008 to encourage the production of biomass crops and commercialization of biofuels. Programs providing grants and loan guarantees for commercial production of biofuels have further boosted the biomass industry. A 2008 energy outlook has forecasted the biomass energy to quadruple by the year 2030 (Texas Biomass Energy, n.d). In conclusion, the use of biomass as an alterative energy source in the US is increasing pace. Studies have shown that in the year 2002 biomass supplied the maximum renewable energy to the US than any other form of renewable energy like hydroelectric power. And estimates also reveal that globally biomass could supply 14% of the world’s energy requirement. Thus the use of biomass as an alternative source of energy is gaining the required momentum and with aid from technological advances it could become the largest source of renewable energy in the world. Additionally due to its availability through out the world is would also reduce energy dependency between countries. References 1. Biomass energy and the environment. (2009). Retrieved March 10, 2010, from, http://www.oregon.gov/ENERGY/RENEW/Biomass/Environment.shtml 2. Cruikshank, W.H., Robert, J.E., & Silversides, C.R. (n.d). Biomass Energy. Retrieved March 10, 2010, from, http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=A1ARTA0000758 3. Biomass. (2004). Retrieved March 10, 2010, from, http://www.greenenergyohio.org/page.cfm?pageID=49 4. A Guide to Small Scale Biomass Heating Projects. (n.d). Centre for Sustainable Energy. Retrieved March 10, 2010, from, http://www.cse.org.uk/pdf/sof1116.pdf 5. Biomass program. (2009). U.S. Department of Energy. Retrieved March 10, 2010, from, http://www1.eere.energy.gov/biomass/biomass_basics_faqs.html#bioenergy 6. Texas Biomass Energy. (n.d). State Energy Conservation Office. Retrieved March 10, 2010, from, http://www.seco.cpa.state.tx.us/re_biomass.htm 7. Biomass. (n.d). Energy matters. Retrieved March 10, 2010, from, http://library.thinkquest.org/20331/types/biomass/methods.html 8. Environmental and Social Benefits/Costs of Biomass Plantations. (n.d). Retrieved March 10, 2010, from, http://bioenergy.ornl.gov/reports/fuelwood/chap4.html 9. Graham, R.L., Lichtenberg, E., Roningen, V.O., Shapouri, H., & Walsh, M.E. (n.d). The Economics of Biomass Production in the United States. Retrieved March 10, 2010, from, http://bioenergy.ornl.gov/papers/bioam95/graham3.html#radams Read More