When we speak of biomass energy, it has been around long before we are talking about alternative and renewable energy sources. As you might already know, there was a time when wood was the main fuel for heating and cooking in most places around the world. In fact, wood is still used that way these days, though only in few locations.
Basically, biomass energy has several applications, including direct burning for domestic heat, electric generation, co-generation, gasification and anaerobic digestion. But though it seems to have a lot of uses for society, let us remember there is still not a perfect energy source in the world today, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Let us take a look at the pros and cons of this particular type of energy.
List of Pros of Biomass Energy
1. It is renewable.
A big advantage of biomass energy is that it generates power by using renewable assets, which can come in the form of wood waste, handled wood pellets, tree buildup or urban waste. In general, its plants utilize leftover wood coming from existing sawmill or logging ventures.
2. It is carbon neutral.
The difference between using biomass and using coal or gas is that the carbon being released is already part of nature—being part of the plants naturally. For coal or gas, it is released starting from the earliest stage when it was sequestered for many years.
3. It reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
Biomass can replace other sources of fuel, and in almost all cases, fuel would replaced instantly. This type of energy uses natural materials to generate power, and there will be less interest for energy that is created by non-renewable assets, like gas and coal. The entire purpose of using renewable energy is facilitating the dependence on sources that will not harm nature.
4. It can be used in many forms.
Biomass can be utilized to create various products from different types of organic matter. For example, it can be processed to create biodiesel, methane gas and other bio-fuels. Aside from this, it can also be used with a steam turbine to generate electricity or used directly as heat.
5. It is widely available.
Coming in the form of organic waste, such as animal carcasses and dead trees, leaves and grass, which are abundant, biomass energy is widely available all over the world. This is great knowing that a huge amount of waste that could have gone to landfills can be used as energy source. As long as organic matter from animals and plants exists, biomass energy is never going to run out.
6. It helps reduce waste.
Consistently people around the world create huge amounts of solid waste, which involves those that are biodegradable, recyclable and dangerously toxic. On the better end, biomass energy can use these types of waste, so they will no long sit in landfills.
List of Cons of Biomass Energy
1. It can lead to deforestation.
Considering that wood is a major source of biomass energy, large amount of it from trees are being used to produce a considerable amount of power. This means large scale energy production can lead to deforestation that would destroy natural habitats.
2. It is not totally clean when burned.
One big argument against biomass energy as clean is the pollution created from burning wood and other organic matter. In some cases, it is even as bad as pollution coming from coal and other energy resources, as there are various compounds coming from burning biomass. Though its energy is considered as renewable, it has been difficult to prove that it is clean.
3. It requires a lot of space.
It has been difficult to find a biomass energy plant that is conveniently located, and in many cases, it can be found in urban areas, causing more traffic and pollution. This seems to be more of an issue than actual help.
4. It is not efficient.
Ethanol and other biodiesel products produced by biomass are relatively inefficient compared with gasoline. They still have to be mixed with gasoline, so they can be used in combustion engines. Aside from this, long-term use of ethanol can be detrimental to engines.
5. It is expensive.
The construction of biomass energy plants requires an incredible amount of money, and in some cases, the expense is not worth the benefits. Resource gathering and transportation expenses are high, which are continually needed every day. By comparing the process of producing biomass energy with that of fossil fuels, you will see that its costs are actually much higher.
6. It contributes to pollution.
A significant aspect pointed out regarding biomass energy is the need for transporting its fuel to the plant and the carbon emissions that is created from it. Though this type of energy is renewable, it is still dependent on fossil fuels for its generation, which implies that it may not be that useful as alternative energy.
7. It is still under development.
Like other types of new alternative energy resources, a lot of work and time have been put into biomass energy. In fact, scientists are still working on making it more efficient.
8. It uses lands that are more useful in growing food crops.
Biomass energy is now requiring crops to be planted with the sole purpose of collecting them when time comes to power biomass energy plants. This means that land that might have been utilized for food are being used for producing such type of energy, causing some scarcity of food in some regions of the world. However, a way to work this issue has been made, which is planting crops that are needed for fuel alongside crops that are intended for food.
Conclusion
Perhaps, biomass energy is one of the most controversial types of alternative energy source that we use today. By looking at the pros and cons listed above, you can come up with a well-informed decision whether it is more helpful to society or not.