ELECTRICITY FROM BIOMASS

Biomass is renewable organic material that comes from plants and animals. It can be burned directly for heat or converted to renewable liquid and gaseous fuels through various processes.

Types of biomass used for energy

How do electric utilities use biomass?

The electric power sector uses wood and biomass-derived waste to generate electricity. Most electricity generated from biomass is produced by direct combustion.

1. Biomass is burned in a boiler to produce high-pressure steam.

2 Steam flows over turbine blades, causing them to rotate.

3 The turbine rotation drives a generator, producing electricity.

One advantage of biomass: Electricity generated from biomass waste is environmentally sustainable and reduces landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions. One disadvantage of biomass: Biomass energy production can be costly, particularly when waste must be transported long distances to a processing facility.

Source: Dept. of Energy