Biomass is a renewable energy that is produced from burning organic matter such as wood, paper, tree trimmings and waste from mills. Once these products are burned, the heat produced turns a steam turbine, which moves a generator to produce electricity.
Biomass is one of the fastest growing renewable energy resources. As technology improves and production costs decrease, the United States could generate as much as four-and-a-half times more renewable biomass energy by 2020.
Biomass facilities must meet all local and state emission requirements.
Corn is an example of biomass that can be converted into an alternative fuel known as ethanol.
The carbon dioxide released by the car is used by plants during photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert carbon dioxide and water into food and oxygen.
Biogas is created when microorganisms cause organic waste, such as food wastes and paper, to decompose in landfills. When organic matter decomposes landfill gas is produced. In biogas energy projects, landfill gas is burned in boilers, reciprocating engines, and combustion turbines to produce electricity.
Biogas is used in many different ways worldwide.