-What are the assigned energy source’s? -How much energy does biomass fuels currently produce in Texas? -How important is biomass source of energy likely to become? -What are the advantages and dis advantages? -What is the position of the local electric company regarding biomass as any energy source? -Are the sources for biomass energy constant and reliable? -Will the technology be improved in the next 15 years? - Is the biomass resources affordable? -How does Biomass energy affect the environment?

What is Biomass Fuel? - Biomass is plant material, vegetation, or agricultural waste used as a fuel or energy source. - Because biomass is made of plant material, which absorbs the sun’s energy in a process called photosynthesis, we can also describe biomass as an indirect form of solar energy. - Biomass is also more environmentally friendly. Compared to fossil fuels, biomass burns more cleanly, releasing fewer harmful emissions into the atmosphere.

Quick Biomass Facts Biomass is one of the oldest forms of energy known to humanity. Biomass is a renewable source of energy. Biomass resources in the form of agricultural crops and waste from forestry and industrial processing currently provide about 14% of the world’s primary energy supplies. Worldwide, biomass is the fourth largest energy resource after coal, oil, and natural gas. There is a consensus among scientists that biomass fuels used in a sustainable manner result in no net increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). Using biomass rather than fossil fuels can help avoid acid rain and global warming.

Biomass fuels have been around since the beginning of time. 1800’s Wood was the primary heat source for cooking, heating, creating steam for industry and home 1890 Coal displaced wood for steam generation Ethanol, competed with gasoline to be the primary fuel for cars Most rural homes use wood, in town homes use coal and displaces wood as primary heat source.

Biomass fuels have been around since the beginning of time. (Cont.) 1930 Over half of all Americans live in cities in buildings heated by coal. Rural Americans still heat their houses and cook with wood. Diesel and gasoline are firmly established as the fuel for trucks and automobiles. Street cars run on electricity, generated from fossil fuels. Railroads and boats use coal and diesel fuel Electricity—generated using coal and other fossil fuels, like natural gas—have displaced wood heat in most homes and commercial buildings The Energy Crisis forces petroleum-dependent energy users to reconsider biomass fuels. Today Concern about dwindling natural resources, global warming, high energy prices, and pollution make biomass an attractive solution to our ongoing energy problems.

How Much Biomass Is Used for Fuel? Biomass fuels provide about 4% of the energy used in the United States. Researchers are trying to develop ways to burn more biomass and less fossil fuels. Using biomass for energy may cut back on waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

Pro / Con * 1 barrel of crude (42 gallons) — 5,800,000 Btu * 1 gallon of gasoline — 124,000 Btu * 1 gallon of diesel fuel — 139,000 Btu * 1 cubic foot of natural gas — 1,026 Btu * 1 gallon of propane — 91,000 Btu * 1 short ton of coal — 20,681,000 Btu * 1 kilowatt hour of electricity — 3,412 Btu * 1 barrel of crude (42 gallons) - 5,800,000 Btu * 1 gallon of Ethanol ,000 Btu * 1 gallon of diesel fuel — 139,000 Btu * 1 cubic foot of natural gas — 1,026 Btu * 1 gallon of propane — 91,000 Btu * 1 short ton of coal — 20,681,000 Btu * 1 kilowatt hour of electricity — 3,412 Btu

From US EPA

Some landfills simply burn the methane gas in a controlled way to get rid of it. But the methane can also be used as an energy source. Landfills can collect the methane gas, treat it, and then sell it as a commercial fuel. It can then be burned to generate steam and electricity. Landfill Gas Energy Projects Today, there are almost 400 operating landfill gas energy projects in the United States. California has the most landfill gas energy projects in operation (73), followed by Illinois (36), and Michigan (27).

Biomass fuels effect on food prices.

Current LFG operationsBiomass Gas

It is possible that 25% or more of Texas electrical and transportation need can be met with biomass fuels.