<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA Biomass Energy Cycle<\/em><\/p>\n\n\na.) A Renewable Energy Source<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nBiomass is among the clean energy sources<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiomass energy is renewable. For instance, we can plant more trees to replace those we use in energy production. Besides, biomass is essentially from waste products such as kitchen waste and animal products. These are ever available and hence replenishable. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\nb.) It’s Carbon Neutral<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\nThe biomasses also release carbon dioxide during oxidation, just like fossil fuels. Nonetheless, unlike the latter, biomass carbon dioxide is immediately consumed by green plants for photosynthesis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hence, there is no buildup of greenhouse gases and carbon footprint as in the case of fossil fuel resources. This factor makes biomass fuel better than fossil fuels as they are as safe as solar and wind energy sources. <\/p>\n\n\n
c.) It Creates a Healthier Environment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nA Biofuel Tanker<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe waste from our kitchens and toilets can find its way into water sources, posing a risk to human health and aquatic life. Nonetheless, biomass production relies on these wastes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hence, biomass production offers an environmentally friendly way of disposing of waste while generating energy. This way, our water sources and oceans remain uncontaminated. <\/p>\n\n\n
d.) It is Readily Available<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\nBiomass is virtually within our scope wherever we are. Fossil fuels are limited, and we must use them cautiously as they are prone to depletion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But, with biomass, there’s extensive abundance, and we don’t have to struggle to access biomass organic matter. It is advantageous because it lowers energy production costs. <\/p>\n\n\n
e.) It lowers Landfills Wastes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nBiomass production reduces landfills<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nOur landfills are undoubtedly a menace, especially with the rising world population. We are set to generate more waste than before in the future, and this poses a problem to our environmental well-being. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, landfills are some of the key sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Hence, dealing with waste can go a long way in arresting global warming. Therefore, biomass energy generation is critical in preserving our natural<\/p>\n\n\n
Biomass Energy Advantages and Disadvantages: Cons<\/strong><\/h2>\n\na.) It Is Relatively Pricey<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nIt’s expensive to set up a biogas plant<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nNo doubt that biomass energy is a viable alternative to fossil fuels. But producing it is relatively pricier than other renewable energy sources like solar power. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For instance, there are relatively high upfront costs in setting up biomass energy plants. Also, harvesting and transporting fossil fuels is relatively expensive. In addition, unlike solar energy, which you can easily store in solar cells at a low cost, biomass energy is expensive to store. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therefore, although biomass is environment friendly and in plentiful supply, other renewable sources trounce it regarding costs. <\/p>\n\n\n
b.) It is Space Intensive<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nA biomass plant requires extensive space<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\nYou need extensive space to set up a biomass plant as storing it is space intensive. Thus, you can’t build a plant wherever you wish. Besides, you may need to grow energy plants, which also require a lot of space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Again, you will require a considerable supply of energy plants for a reasonable energy yield. Hence this is among the key cons of biomass energy production as, without space, you can’t produce enough. <\/p>\n\n\n
c.) Potent Greenhouse Gases Emissions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nBiomass plants still contribute to greenhouse emissions<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nYes, we generally regard biomass as carbon neutral. But it still emits considerable carbon into the surrounding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biomass carbon emissions are relatively lower compared to fossil fuels. But again, to curb global warming, we need to completely shut out even the minutest carbon emissions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hence, other renewable energy sources rank better than biomass in this aspect. Besides, burning biomass sources like wood emit other greenhouse gases like carbon monoxide, methane, and nitrogen oxides. <\/p>\n\n\n
d.) Negative Environmental Impact<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nBiomass may encourage deforestation<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nWe can continually replenish biomass sources such as trees and plants. However, an overreliance on forests for biomass sources can cause deforestation. In turn, this will affect forest cover and rainfall patterns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Besides, planting energy crops encourages monocropping, which strips essential nutrients from the soil in the long run. <\/p>\n\n\n
e.) It’s Relatively Inefficient<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\nAs it stands, it is not energy efficient to produce biomass. We may require higher heat to convert it to usable energy than the energy yield. It makes the entire process uneconomical. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We need more investment in research to create biomass processing means that are more energy efficient. <\/p>\n\n\n
Future of Biomass Energy<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nA Biogas plant<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiomass energy ranks among the most viable alternatives to fossil fuels. However, replacing them will take time unless we develop more energy-efficient biomass processing means. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As things stand, solar and wind energy are cleaner and more efficient sources than biomass. Nonetheless, as we further invest in efficient process technologies, biomass could take over as its abundant. <\/p>\n\n\n