Biomass

The most common biomass materials used for energy are plants, such as corn and soy.
The energy from these organisms can be burned to create heat or converted into electricity.

Biomass continues to be an important fuel in many countries, especially for cooking and heating in developing countries.

The use of biomass fuels for transportation and for electricity generation is increasing in many developed countries as a means of avoiding carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel use.

Biomass sources for energy include:

• Wood and wood processing wastes - firewood, wood pellets and wood chips, lumber and furniture mill sawdust and waste, black liquor from pulp and paper mills
• Agricultural crops and waste materials - corn, soybeans, sugar cane, switchgrass, woody plants and algae, crop and food processing residues
• Biogenic materials in municipal solid waste - paper, cotton, wool products and food, yard and wood wastes
• Animal manure and human sewage

Biomass is also converted into other essential forms of energy such as transportation fuels or methane gas.
Methane gas can be extracted from the rotting garbage and human and agricultural wastes.
Transportation fuels are produced from crops liked sugarcane and corns.
Leftover animal fats and vegetable oils produce biodiesel.

Using Biomass is very beneficial as it has a potential to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions.
Its use can also reduce the dependence on the foreign oils, as biofuels are the only renewable transportation fuels available.

Biomass can be burned directly or converted into liquid or gaseous fuels which burn more readily to generate electricity.