Biomass Resources

Biomass is one of the most abundant resources for energy we have available to us. Along with solar and wind, biomass is set to play a central role in our energy network. So what are the available biomass resources and how do we use these resources. Well, the obvious and well known form is woody biomass. For thousands of years tree's have been used for fuel for cooking and to provide heat. However there are many other forms of biomass besides wood. For example all forms of organic matter which can be used for energy is referred to as biomass. Therefore biomass resources also include straws and grasses. These resources have not traditionally been used for energy as they are very hard to burn efficiently in their raw form. For example straw and grasses in loose form have a very low energy content, so the fire burns the fuel as fast as you can physically place it into the fire.

So in modern society where are these biomass resources and how can we utilize them. Woody biomass can be sourced from the waste generated from timber processing, and from woodland management. Or, woody biomass can be grown specifically, to generate sufficient yields this means growing biomass resources such as willow. Other forms of biomass from straws and grasses can be sourced from the waste generated from agriculture and food production. Here large volumes of biomass are generated along side the food side of the crop. Therefore food and fuel production can go hand in hand without effect the price of either. In fact sourcing food and fuel from the same crop, without the same part of the crop being used for both will reduce the price of producing both food and fuel.

Biomass Renewable and Carbon Output

Biomass resources are a renewable resource, as we can always grow more biomass to replace the resources we use. Biomass is also already part of the natural carbon cycle, and therefore does not contribute to an increase of carbon emissions, and is regarded as carbon neutral. Therefore the use of biomass can help energy and environmental issues at the same time.

Biomass Heating and Biomass Pellets

There are many different forms of biomass heating solutions. However one of the most efficient and low cost means are pellet stoves and boilers. Upgrading biomass resources into pellets produced a convenient highly efficient fuel source which can be automatically controlled to provide heat on demand and to a specific temperature. Currently the pellet fuel market is dominated by woody biomass, however this is beginning to change with a wider range of biomass resources being utilized to generate heat for cooking in developing countries and for heating in pellet burners.

Biomass Potential and Biomass Fuels

The potential of biomass is huge, as it is a resource which we already generate large volumes of from other industries, and in many cases this biomass is regarded as a waste problem. Encouraging the use of biomass can help to address food production, energy demands and lower carbon emissions. Upgrading biomass into pellets is practical way to use resources.

The Wood Pellet Production Guide © PelHeat Ltd - Biomass Resources