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| Biomass: Key Benefits, Future Potential, and What It Can Offer |
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| Feature |
| Written by Sabrina Deparine |
| Thursday, 10 September 2009 11:12 |
| Page views: 2075 |
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Key Benefits of BiomassPerhaps the first and foremost benefit of biomass as a biofuel feedstock is that it is sustainable. Biomass are natural materials that can be found in the forest or agricultural lands. As such, this means that they are readily available. Also, forest and agricultural lands are likely to yield dead organic materials everyday which makes the supply sustainable. Since the supply and sources of biomass are sustainable then it provides energy security. Consumers and power companies alike are assured of continuous supply of energy., Biomass production is also more affordable, thus, giving producers and consumers alike the protection from drastic price increases and fluctuations. Also, it helps in addressing issues on food shortages and price hikes since biomass is a non-edible feedstock. Again, this means that biomass is not prone to price volatility. Utilizing biomass for biofuel production is also proven to be environment-friendly because it preserves commendable carbon cycle. The plants or crops from which biomass fuels are derived feed on carbon dioxide as they grow. As such, their use as a fuel does not add to the existing levels of carbon in our atmosphere. The term “biomass” pertains to a renewable energy source which is either living or recently dead biological material. It can be used as both an alternative fuel and for industrial production. In terms of biofuels, biomass like dead trees, branches, yard clippings, and wood chips are processed to serve as feedstock for ethanol and biofuel production. As such, using these wastes or refuse as a source of biofuel help us avoid polluting the landfill disposals. Lastly, biomass plays a two-fold role in the fight against greenhouse gas emissions: one is as an energy source and the other as a carbon sink. The Future of Biomass Biomass is actually the most common and readily-available source of renewable energy in the world. In fact, in a study conducted by Wang Mengjie and Ding Suzhen of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Engineering Research and Planning in Beijing, it was concluded that biomass serves as the main energy source for more than 1.5 billion people across the globe. The total energy consumption in developing countries like the Philippines would, on the average, include about 20% to 90% of energy derived from biomass.  Based on 2007 data, biomass contributes around 14.1% of the Philippines’ energy supply. In terms of total renewable energy production, it contributes 0.38%. This is predominantly used for transport, heat, and power applications. It has been forecasted that the contribution of biomass in the Philippines energy supply may increase to as much as 27%. This is dependent on the policies devised and implemented by the Philippine government on agriculture and sustainability as well as in terms of energy security and obligations to the Kyoto Protocol. In terms of availability and energy value, biomass is probably one of the most commendable alternatives to fossil fuel. Every year, an average of 120 billion tons of biomass is formed around the world. The energy capacity of this volume is equivalent to five times the total energy consumption in the world. However, only 1% of this total energy capacity has been utilized at present. Given the right opportunities and developments, biomass can supply enough energy to address an average of 14% of the world’s total energy consumption. |
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