Moving on to Biomass...

Up until now, I have been researching renewable energy sources that I fully support. My research has highlighted a number of environmental and social issues associated with each one, although research and technology is likely to reduce these disadvantages with time. Furthermore, the negatives are small in comparison to the global impacts of fossil fuel use.

That is why I have saved biofuels until last. At present, my knowledge is limited, but I am not a huge advocate of this energy source because I don't see it as a sustainable resource. 

I understand the principle, that carbon emitted through biomass energy is then reabsorbed by new plants growth. This is seen as a relatively fast process compared to the millions of years for carbon to be stored as fossil fuels; however, carbon sequestration by plants still takes decades and if the plants aren't replaced at the rate in which they are used, this resource stops being sustainable.

In my next few posts, I will be looking at both the positives and negatives of biofuels, in order to develop a more informed opinion and conclude whether it should be increasingly utilised in the fight against climate change.

Harvesting of Sugarcane for Biofuel in Brazil
Source: Britannica

To provide some background, biomass is an organic material that has gained and stored the sun's energy during its lifetime through the process of photosynthesis. Humans are able to utilise this energy through the decay, burning or fermentation of this organic material. It is considered a renewable energy source as there is no long-term supply limitations as plants can be relatively easily and quickly replaced. 

Biomass energy can come from a number of sources; these include:
1. Wood: Today, this is still the largest source of biomass energy. By burning chips, logs and sawdust, wood is typically used in the production of heat energy
2. Biogas: The gases, (typically methane and carbon dioxide), produced through the breakdown of organic material, sewage or manure. These can be used as a fuel for heating or transport purposes
3. Fermentation: Through this process, two types of biofuel can be produced, bioethanol and biodiesel. The former can be produced through fermentation of sugar using beet or sugar cane and the latter being produced using vegetable or animal fats. Both can be used as fuel for heating and transport

In 2014, biofuel production increased by 7.4%. The largest producers were the United States, and Brazil with 42.5% and 23.5% of the global 2014 share, respectively. In their 2012 strategy, the UK government highlighted their support of sustainable biomass energy. It was outlined that its versatile methods of utilisation, across all three energy sectors (electricity, heat and transport), makes it a beneficial resource. 

There still remains a lot for me to learn about this resource and my next few posts will consider both the benefits and issues of biomass energy. I will be highlighting some of the key studies I come across which will no doubt challenge my opinions.