1. Biomass Energy
Alex and Emily H.

2. History Was used ever since humans discovered fire
Was used as primary source for heat and cooking until the industrial revolution, 1860’s

3. Primary Source Crop residues Energy plantations
Animal and industrial waste
Needed fields of plants and trees to maintain enough fuel to keep the plant running

4. Pro Converts waste produced naturally
In theory, fuel source can never run out
Available all over the world and forms from anything
Can be converted into liquid gases

5. Cons Uses large areas of land Land use limits area
Overuse can cause deforestation
 Expensive to turn in to alcohols to make the electricity
Creates as much carbon dioxide as burning fossils fuels

6. Environmental Effects
If not burned properly, then big contributor to global warming and greenhouse gases
Produces air pollution, and more environmental issues then any other form of producing electricity other then hydropower

7. Pollutants Carbon dioxide Carbon monoxide Hydrocarbons
Oxygenated organics
Free radicals and chlorinated organics

8. Geographic Distribution
Anywhere there is plant life of animals are
One third of the worlds population burns wood and other organic material.

9. Cost to Maintain
Maryland based 60 megawatt power plant cost approximately $250,000,000 to build
Annual biomass cost: $1,303,200

10. How It works Needs the biomass form to work
Many different types of ways to convert to power
Most common is similar to a coal-burning power plant
First, gets turned into gases and it sent through filter
Second, burned in boilers to create heat
Next, heat turns water into steam
Then, steam turns turbine connected to generator
Finally, generator produces electricity and then is sent to homes and businesses

11. Cycle

12. How much is there?
Enough to replace all power created from nuclear energy, or replace half of nations gasoline use
We only use 7% each year to generate electricity

13. Resource Question #1
What are the different ways to convert to electricity?
Thermal conversion
Chemical conversion
Biochemical conversion

14. Resource Question #2 How much profit do biomass plants earn each year?
$5,000,000-$15,000,000 per year

15. Work cited
The book p. 259