Biomass

Biomass-the original renewable energy. It's been part of our lives since our ancestors learn to control fire. In fact, it's made possible by the Sun whose energy is absorbed by trees and plants through photosynthesis and then released when organic matter is burned or decomposes. First, there's plant waste. Wood scraps, sawdust, and crop waste can be collected from farms or manufacturers. The waste is burned to heat water; the hot water creates steam; the pressure of the steam spins a turbine; the turbine powers generator; the generator creates electricity. Simple, really! Next up, animal waste. Also known as the problem of cow poop. The solution: wastes from farm animals can be collected in a large tank called a digester, filled with bacteria that eats the waste and converts it to methane gas. The methane is captured and burned to heat water and create steam. Sound familiar? Second verse, same as the first. This same principle can also be used to capture methane, a potent greenhouse gas with 25 times the heat trapping ability of carbon dioxide from landfills. Once a section of the landfill is closed off, pipes are run from the waste to collect the gas, which can then be burned to make electricity or heat. Biomass may not be the prettiest form of renewable energy, and it needs to be used carefully and thoughtfully to protect ecosystems and prevent greenhouse gas emissions, but it can be a smart way to make use of waste.