Renewable or Not? What to know about Biomass Energy
We need more energy than ever before. The world’s population is growing, and as standards of living improve, people demand more energy to power their homes, businesses, and transportation.
However, the pursuit of generating more energy has been fraught with environmental concerns. The use of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas led to climate change, deforestation, and pollution.
As the world looks for ways to become more energy-efficient and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, renewable energy sources are becoming more appealing. Biomass energy is one such renewable energy source.
It is produced from organic matter such as plants, crop residues, and forestry and manure-based waste. Biomass energy can be used to generate electricity, heat, and transportation fuels.
Biomass energy is considered renewable because the organic matter from which it is made can be replenished relatively quickly.
The biomass feedstocks we just mentioned can be used to produce biogas that can be combusted to generate electricity or processed into transportation fuels like biodiesel.
That said, not all biomass energy is created equal. The sustainability of biomass energy depends on how the organic matter is sourced and used.
Newer generation biomass energy technologies have lower emissions than older, less efficient ones.
They also create less impact on land use, water use, and food security. Because they typically utilize feedstock that could otherwise go to waste, they also have the potential to generate energy with negative emissions.
However, the question still stands, why is biomass energy considered renewable energy?
The simple answer is yes. Biomass energy is a renewable source of energy. Because the feedstock used in generation can be replenished at a rate equal to or faster than the rate of consumption.
This means that there is no imminent danger of running out of biomass feedstocks.
Additionally, converting biomass into energy doesn’t create a significant impact on the environment as it would if we were to use fossil fuels.
The emissions generated by biomass-to-energy conversion are offset by the absorption of carbon dioxide by the plants that regrow in their place.
Therefore, biomass energy is considered a cleaner and more sustainable option than traditional sources of energy.
This is in contrast to fossil fuels, which are non-renewable energy sources because they take millions of years to form and cannot be replenished at the same rate as they are consumed.
The extraction and use of fossil fuels aren’t only bad for the environment, but they are also not sustainable in the long run.
Are all biomass energy renewable?
Overall, biomass energy is a renewable and sustainable source of energy that can help to meet the world’s growing energy demands in a more environmentally-friendly way.
However, not all forms of biomass energy are created equal. There are many different types of biomass, and some of them are really no different than fossil fuels.
Biomass energy is considered renewable for a few reasons:
- It is replenished at a rate that is equal to or faster than the rate at which it is consumed
- The emissions from biomass energy are offset by the absorption of carbon dioxide by the plants that regrow in their place.
- They utilize resources that would otherwise go to waste.
So according to this definition, all forms of biomass energy are not created equal.
| Biomass Energy Generation | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-generation | Energy derived from the direct combustion of organic matter, such as wood or crop residues. | Widely available, easy to access and use. | Low efficiency, emits pollutants and particulate matter, competes with food production. |
| Second-generation | Energy derived from the conversion of lignocellulosic materials, such as agricultural and forestry waste, into biofuels like ethanol or biodiesel. | More efficient than first-generation, utilizes waste materials, fewer emissions than first-generation. | Requires large amounts of water, higher production costs, competition for resources with food production. |
| Third-generation | Energy derived from algae and other microorganisms. | High potential for carbon sequestration, can utilize non-arable land and waste resources. | Currently expensive and technically challenging to produce on a large scale, requires large amounts of water and nutrients. |
Before we delve any further, I would highly recommend you to read this post which looks at the different generations of biomass and how they are classified.
First-generation biomass
Traditional sources of biomass energy (first-generation biomass feedstocks) include agricultural crops such as corn, sugar cane, sunflower oil, and soybeans as first-generation biomass feedstocks.
Although the biomass from these crops can be used to generate energy, the growing process consumes valuable land and water resources.
Most of these plants require regular irrigation, pesticides, and fertilizers, which can lead to environmental pollution. Also, these crops are often grown in monocultures, which can lead to soil degradation and deforestation.
So, while first-generation biomass feedstocks are considered renewable, they are not always truly renewable.
The cultivation of these crops may have a negative environmental impact that negates some of the benefits of using biomass energy.
Second-generation biomass
Second-generation biomass feedstocks are a more sustainable option than first-generation feedstocks.
These feedstocks are typically derived from waste products, including wood residues, paper pulp, and municipal solid waste. So, the feedstock used is the material that would otherwise go to waste.
These feedstocks can be used to create energy without taking away from valuable land and water resources.
Other examples of second-generation biomass feedstocks include animal manure, fallen leaves and tree branches, and food waste. So, utilizing these feedstocks for energy can help to reduce environmental pollution.
Third-generation biomass
But there is even a better and more renewable option – third-generation biomass feedstocks.
Third-generation biomass feedstocks are derived from algae and other aquatic plants. These plants can thrive in a range of aquatic habitats.
So, unlike first- and second-generation biomass feedstocks, third-generation biomass feedstocks don’t require valuable land resources. They can also be grown in a variety of climates, making them a more versatile and sustainable option.
Algae are one of the most promising third-generation biomass feedstocks because they have a high growth rate and require very little water to grow. In fact, some algae can even tolerate saltwater!
Additionally, algae oil can be used to create biodiesel, which is a renewable and environmentally-friendly alternative to fossil fuels.
Third-generation biomass feedstocks are a more sustainable and renewable option than first- and second-generation feedstocks.
Conclusion
So, biomass energy is considered renewable because it is replenished at a rate that is equal to or faster than the rate at which it is consumed.
Additionally, the emissions from biomass energy are offset by the absorption of carbon dioxide by the plants that regrow in its place.
However, not all forms of biomass energy are created equal. First-generation biomass feedstocks can have a negative environmental impact that negates some of the benefits of using biomass energy.
Second-generation and third-generation biomass feedstocks are a more sustainable and renewable option.
These feedstocks are typically derived from waste products or grown in a variety of environments, making them less damaging to the environment.
Finally, third-generation biomass feedstocks, such as algae, are the most sustainable and renewable option.
These feedstocks can be grown in a variety of environments including ponds, lakes, and even the ocean. Additionally, they have a high growth rate and require very little water to grow.
Thus, we shouldn’t take biomass energy for granted. It is a valuable and renewable resource only if we use it sustainably.