BIOMASS

BIOMASSWhat is Biomass?It isbiological materialderived from living, or recently living organisms. As arenewable energy source, biomass can either be used directly via combustion to produce heat, or indirectly after converting it to various forms ofbiofuel.Biomass material consists of organic matter available on a recurring or renewable basis: forestry trimmings, wood processing residue, urban wood waste and other wood waste.

Categories of Biomass MaterialsVirgin wood - from forestry, arboricultural activities or from wood processingEnergy crops - high yield crops grown specifically for energy applicationsAgricultural residues - residues from agriculture harvesting or processingFood waste - from food and drink manufacture, preparation and processing, and post-consumer wasteIndustrial waste and co-products - from manufacturing and industrial processes.3

Sources of BiomassEnergy CropsBamboosGrassesTrees

Sources of BiomassMethane from Anaerobic DigestersMunicipal Solid WasteSewerageLivestock/Poultry ManureDistillery Slops

Sources of BiomassAgricultural Residues and By-ProductsShellsHusksFrondsSugarcane Leaves and TopsMudpressCorn cobsRice hullsRice StrawConversion TechnologiesThermal Conversion - processes in which heat is the dominant mechanism to convert the biomass into another chemical form.Chemical Conversion - a range of chemical processes may be used to convert biomass into other forms, such as to produce a fuel that is more conveniently used, transported or stored, or to exploit some property of the process itself. Biochemical Conversion - makes use of the enzymes of bacteria and other micro-organisms to break down biomass.Benefits of Using BiomassBalances the goals of economic growth and development.- Improvement of rural economiesNew and long-term employmentEmpowerment of rural folks

Benefits of Using BiomassProtect health and the environmentEnvironmentally acceptable solution for disposal of municipal wastes and sewage

Reduces harmful emissions.- Climate change mitigation / Reduction in Green-House-Gas emissions

Benefits of Using BiomassEnergy self-relianceDependable base-load powerMature technology in the countrySuitable for all areas in the countryDistributed generationBiomass AdvantagesBiomass used as a fuel reduces need for fossil fuels for the production of heat, steam, and electricity for residential, industrial and agricultural use.Biomass isalways available and can be produced as a renewable resource.Biomass fuel from agriculture wastes maybe a secondary product that adds value to agricultural crop.Biomass AdvantagesGrowing Biomass crops produce oxygen and use up carbon dioxide.The useof waste materials reduce landfill disposal and makes more space for everything else.Carbon Dioxide which is released when Biomass fuel is burned, istaken inby plants.Less money spent on foreign oilBiomass DisadvantagesAgricultural wastes will not be available if the basic crop is no longer grown.Additional work is needed in areas such as harvesting methods.Land used for energy crops maybe in demand for other purposes, such as farming, conservation, housing, resort or agricultural use.Biomass DisadvantagesSome Biomass conversion projects are from animal wastes and are relatively small and therefore are limited.Research is needed to reduce the costs of production of Biomass based fuels.Is in some cases is a major cause of pollution.Environmental Impact of BiomassWater UseBiomass power plants require approximately the same amount of water for cooling as coal power plants.Approximately 75% of existing biomass plants that require cooling use wet-recirculating technology, while 25% of plants use once-through cooling technology.Water is also needed to produce some biomass feedstocks.

Environmental Impact of BiomassAir EmissionsBurning biomass to produce electricity can impact air quality.The most common pollutants include nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter.Nitrogen oxides from biomass are lower than those from coal but higher than natural gas.Environmental Impact of BiomassLand UsePrimarily driven by the type of feedstock.If not collected properly, using agriculture and forest waste streams for biomass power could lead to land or habitat degradation.Impacts associated with the use of energy crops depends greatly on whether the planting leads to land use change or displaced food production.

Environmental Impact of BiomassLife-cycle Global Warming EmissionsTransportation and combustion emissions are roughly equivalent for all types of biomass.When organic waste is disposed of in a landfill, it decomposes and releases methane, a potent global warming gas.Harmful biomass resources and practices add net carbon to the atmosphere by either directly or indirectly decreasing the overall amount of carbon stored in plants and soils.Biomass Power Compared with Other Forms of Renewable Energy.

Biomass Energy in the PhilippinesBiomass Renewable Energy AllianceCombustionAsea OneFull AdvantageThor Energy Inc.NovergyPenwoodPhilcarbonSan Carlos Bioenergy Bronzeoak *

*also uses CogenerationBiomass Renewable Energy AllianceCogenerationPhilippine Sugar Millers AssociationGreen Future InnovationsRoxas Holdings

Biomass Renewable Energy AllianceBiogasMontalban MethanePhibio / Asia BiogasBiomass Availability for 3 Major Crops

Future of Biomass in the Country

30Future of Biomass in the CountryTop countries searching Google for biomass energy (2004-present)

31Future of Biomass in the Country23 major foreign bioenergy investments in developing countries

32Biomass Energy How It All Works

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