Biomass is the organic matter produced by plants. Also it refers to other organic wastes like animal waste, food-processing by-products etc. Everything that is biodegradable is biomass. The solar energy trapped by these plants can be converted to electricity or fuel.
Renewed Interest in Biomass
Three main factors are responsible for the renewed interest in biomass - economics, environmental concerns and national security.
First, economics is the strongest driver in renewed interest in biomass fuels and chemicals. New advances in biotechnology and bioprocesses, such as those demonstrated at BECON, can dramatically reduce the costs of producing biochemicals.
Second, biomass fuels generally have less impact on the environment than fossil fuels, such as coal and oil.
Producing fuels and chemicals from biomass is not a new concept. Cellulose, ethanol, methanol, vegetable oils and a host of other biomass-based chemicals have been in use since the 1800's to make products like paint, glue, adhesives, synthetic cloth and solvents. It was not until the 1930's and 40's that petrochemicals began to dominate the market and displace chemicals and products derived from biomass.
Biomass has become a great option for alternative energy production. Its availability around the world helps to offset increased conversion costs.
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