biomass as an alternative fuel

8/3/2019 Biomass as an Alternative Fuel

1/58

BIOMASS AS ANBIOMASS AS AN

ALTERNATIVE FUELALTERNATIVE FUEL

By: Justin LessnerBy: Justin Lessner


2/58

What is Biomass?What is Biomass?

Biomass is anyBiomass is anyorganic matter.organic matter.

Including trees,Including trees,plants, plant fiber,plants, plant fiber,and animal wastes.and animal wastes.

Biomass is aBiomass is a

renewable energyrenewable energysourcesource


3/58

What is Bioenergy?What is Bioenergy?

The energy stored in biomass is calledThe energy stored in biomass is calledbioenergy.bioenergy.

Bioenergy is very versatile: It can be used toBioenergy is very versatile: It can be used toprovide heat, make fuels, and generateprovide heat, make fuels, and generateelectricity.electricity.

Many bioenergy sources are replenishedMany bioenergy sources are replenished

through the cultivation of fast growing grasses,through the cultivation of fast growing grasses,trees, and agricultural residues like vegetabletrees, and agricultural residues like vegetableoils, wheat straw, or corn.oils, wheat straw, or corn.


4/58

How Much Biomass is OutHow Much Biomass is Out

There?There? The United States has enough land andThe United States has enough land and

agricultural networks to sustainablyagricultural networks to sustainably

replace half of the nations gasoline usereplace half of the nations gasoline useor all of its nuclear energy.or all of its nuclear energy.

Millions of tons of unused agriculturalMillions of tons of unused agricultural

waste, manure, and sawdust has thewaste, manure, and sawdust has thepotential to generate energy.potential to generate energy.


5/58

Bioenergy sources are commonBioenergy sources are commonthroughoutthe United states.throughoutthe United states.


6/58

Biomass SourcesBiomass Sources

Every year, the agricultural industry producesEvery year, the agricultural industry producesmillions of tons of waste that could be utilizedmillions of tons of waste that could be utilized

for energy production.for energy production. In addition, the forest products industry alsoIn addition, the forest products industry also

produces countless tons of waste that can beproduces countless tons of waste that can beused as an energy source.used as an energy source.

Energy crops, such as willows and switchgrassEnergy crops, such as willows and switchgrasscan be grown for the specific purpose ofcan be grown for the specific purpose ofenergy production.energy production.


7/58

Biomass SourcesBiomass Sources

In the Midwest, farmers grow corn andIn the Midwest, farmers grow corn andsoybeans that can be used for ethanolsoybeans that can be used for ethanol

productionproduction In the Southeast, hybrid willow trees have beenIn the Southeast, hybrid willow trees have been

used as an energy crop.used as an energy crop.

In the Northwest and Northeast, the forestIn the Northwest and Northeast, the forest

products industry uses its wastes and residuesproducts industry uses its wastes and residuesto make electricity and heat for its ownto make electricity and heat for its ownoperations.operations.


8/58

EnvironmentalEnvironmental

Benefits of BiomassBenefits of Biomass


9/58

No Net Increase In CarbonNo Net Increase In Carbon

DioxideDioxide


10/58

The burning of fossil fuels releasesThe burning of fossil fuels releasescarbon dioxide captured bycarbon dioxide captured byphotosynthesis millions of years ago.photosynthesis millions of years ago.

In contrast, carbon dioxide releasedIn contrast, carbon dioxide releasedthrough the consumption of biomass isthrough the consumption of biomass isbalanced by carbon dioxide captured inbalanced by carbon dioxide captured inthe recent growth of biomassthe recent growth of biomass

This results in a far less net impact onThis results in a far less net impact ongreenhouse gas levels.greenhouse gas levels.


11/58

Environmental BenefitsEnvironmental Benefits

(cont.)(cont.)

Use of waste that would normally go toUse of waste that would normally go tolandfills. An estimated 350 million tons oflandfills. An estimated 350 million tons of

waste that goes to landfills could be usedwaste that goes to landfills could be usedfor energy productionfor energy production

Encourages the preservation ofEncourages the preservation of

agricultural land that would otherwise beagricultural land that would otherwise besold for development.sold for development.

Encourages sustainable agriculturalEncourages sustainable agricultural

tech

niques for bioenergy crops.tech

niques for bioenergy crops.


12/58

Economic Benefits ofEconomic Benefits of

BiomassBiomass


13/58

Economic Benefits ofEconomic Benefits of

BiomassBiomass $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Rural economic development and stability: USRural economic development and stability: US

spends $50 billion each year on importing oil.spends $50 billion each year on importing oil.

Biomass could replace half of this.Biomass could replace half of this. The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture estimates thatThe U.S. Dept. of Agriculture estimates that

17,000 jobs are generated in the U.S. for every17,000 jobs are generated in the U.S. for everybillion gallons of ethanol produced.billion gallons of ethanol produced.

Defending US access to foreign oil markets isDefending US access to foreign oil markets isvery costly. Diversification of fuel sourcesvery costly. Diversification of fuel sourceswould cut down on military spending and shiftwould cut down on military spending and shiftthe focus to domestic welfare.the focus to domestic welfare.


14/58

Biomass and The NationalBiomass and The National

Energy PolicyEnergy Policy A main goal of George W. BushsA main goal of George W. Bushs

National Energy Policy is to increase theNational Energy Policy is to increase the

domestic energy supplies of the U.S.domestic energy supplies of the U.S. Biomass and biofuels can be producedBiomass and biofuels can be produced

within the United States.within the United States.

As a result, the use of biomass directlyAs a result, the use of biomass directlysupports the National Energy Policy bysupports the National Energy Policy byreducing US dependence on foreign oil.reducing US dependence on foreign oil.


15/58

Dept. of Energy BiomassDept. of Energy Biomass

ProgramProgram The Biomass Program operated by theThe Biomass Program operated by the

US Dept. ofEnergy develops technologyUS Dept. ofEnergy develops technology

for conversion of biomass to valuablefor conversion of biomass to valuablefuels, chemicals, materials, and power.fuels, chemicals, materials, and power.

One of the main purposes of the programOne of the main purposes of the program

is to reduce US dependence on foreignis to reduce US dependence on foreignoil and to reduce greenhouse emissions.oil and to reduce greenhouse emissions.


16/58

Biofuels ForBiofuels For

TransportationTransportation


17/58

BiofuelsBiofuels

Biomass is one of the few renewableBiomass is one of the few renewablesources for transportation fuelssources for transportation fuels

Biofuels produce fewer emissions thanBiofuels produce fewer emissions thanpetroleum fuelspetroleum fuels

The two main types of biofuels areThe two main types of biofuels are

ethanol and biodieselethanol and biodiesel


18/58

EthanolEthanol

Also known as ethyl alcohol or grain alcohol.Also known as ethyl alcohol or grain alcohol. Ethanol is made from the starch in certainEthanol is made from the starch in certain

grains, such as wheat, corn, or corngrains, such as wheat, corn, or cornbyproducts.byproducts.

Ethanol production usually begins with theEthanol production usually begins with thegrinding up of biomass such as wheat or corn.grinding up of biomass such as wheat or corn.

Once ground up, the starch or cellulose isOnce ground up, the starch or cellulose is

converted into sugar.converted into sugar. The sugar is then fed into microbes that use itThe sugar is then fed into microbes that use it

for food, producing ethanol in the process.for food, producing ethanol in the process.


19/58

Ethanol ProductionEthanol Production

FacilityFacility


20/58

Ethanol ProductionEthanol Production

The US ethanol industry produced more thanThe US ethanol industry produced more than3.3 billion gallons of ethanol in 2004, up from3.3 billion gallons of ethanol in 2004, up from

2.8 billion gallons in 2003.2.8 billion gallons in 2003. As states continue to ban the use of MTBEAs states continue to ban the use of MTBE

(Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) for use in(Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) for use ingasoline, ethanol consumption will continue togasoline, ethanol consumption will continue to

rise.rise. As a result, efforts to increase the supply areAs a result, efforts to increase the supply are

necessary to keep up with demand.necessary to keep up with demand.


21/58

New Ethanol TechnologiesNew Ethanol Technologies

Currently, research is being conducted forCurrently, research is being conducted formaking ethanol from the cellulose (fiber)making ethanol from the cellulose (fiber)

component in biomass, like municipal solidcomponent in biomass, like municipal solidwastes and agricultural residues.wastes and agricultural residues.

This type of ethanol is called bioethanol.This type of ethanol is called bioethanol.

The use of bioethanol reduces the emission ofThe use of bioethanol reduces the emission of

carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons.carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons.


22/58

Ethanol UsesEthanol Uses

Each year, the USEach year, the USblends more than 1.5blends more than 1.5

billion gallons ofbillion gallons ofethanol with gasolineethanol with gasolineto improve vehicleto improve vehicleperformance andperformance and

reduce air pollutionreduce air pollution


23/58

Ethanol Uses (Cont.)Ethanol Uses (Cont.)

Most gasoline blends contain about 10Most gasoline blends contain about 10percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline.percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline.

All vehicles are equipped to handle thisAll vehicles are equipped to handle thismixture.mixture.

Such a mixture reduces greenhouseSuch a mixture reduces greenhouse

gases by up to 4 percent.gases by up to 4 percent.


24/58

E85 FuelE85 Fuel

Fuel containing 85 percent gasoline andFuel containing 85 percent gasoline and15 percent ethanol can be used in15 percent ethanol can be used in

flexible fuel vehicles.flexible fuel vehicles. The use ofE85 fuel reduces the emissionThe use ofE85 fuel reduces the emission

of greenhouse gases by up to 37of greenhouse gases by up to 37

percent.percent. E85 is considered an alternative fuelE85 is considered an alternative fuel

under the Energy Policy Act of 1992.under the Energy Policy Act of 1992.


25/58

E85 FuelE85 Fuel

Vehicles that run on E85 are calledVehicles that run on E85 are calledFlexible Fuel Vehicles (FFV).Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFV).

Many vehicle manufacturers offerFFVs.Many vehicle manufacturers offerFFVs.

Ford, GM, Chrysler, and Mercedes allFord, GM, Chrysler, and Mercedes allofferFFVs.offerFFVs.

Each year car makers produce more thanEach year car makers produce more than700,000 flexible fuel vehicles.700,000 flexible fuel vehicles.


26/58

Examples of FFVsExamples of FFVs

Many popular SUVsMany popular SUVsand luxury vehiclesand luxury vehicles

can use E85 fuel withcan use E85 fuel withlittle or no additionallittle or no additionalcost.cost.


27/58

E85 BenefitsE85 Benefits

E85 is easy to use and handleE85 is easy to use and handle-- FuelingFuelingequipment forE85 is only slightlyequipment forE85 is only slightlydifferent then equipment used fordifferent then equipment used for

petroleum.petroleum. Reduces Petroleum ConsumptionReduces Petroleum Consumption--

Using E85 reduces dependence onUsing E85 reduces dependence onforeign oil markets.foreign oil markets.

Environmental BenefitsEnvironmental Benefits-- E85 reducesE85 reducesgreenhouse gas emissions by 37greenhouse gas emissions by 37percent.percent.

FFV

s are available and affordable.FFV

s are available and affordable.


28/58

Various interest groups throughouttheVarious interest groups throughoutthestate and country are actively involved instate and country are actively involved in

promoting the benefits of ethanolpromoting the benefits of ethanol


29/58

BiodieselBiodiesel

Biodiesel is aBiodiesel is adomesticallydomestically

produced renewableproduced renewablefuel that can befuel that can bemade from vegetablemade from vegetableoils, animal fats oroils, animal fats or

recycled restaurantrecycled restaurantgreases.greases.


30/58

History of BiodieselHistory of Biodiesel

Dr. Rudolf Diesel actually invented the dieselDr. Rudolf Diesel actually invented the dieselengine to run on a myriad of fuels includingengine to run on a myriad of fuels includingvegetable oil.vegetable oil.

In 1911, He stated: the diesel engine can beIn 1911, He stated: the diesel engine can befed with vegetable oils and would helpfed with vegetable oils and would helpconsiderably in the development of agricultureconsiderably in the development of agricultureof the countries which use it.of the countries which use it.

He added: the use of vegetable oils for engineHe added: the use of vegetable oils for enginefuels may seem insignificant today but suchfuels may seem insignificant today but suchoils may become in course of time as importantoils may become in course of time as importantas petroleum and the coal tar products of theas petroleum and the coal tar products of the

present time.present time.


31/58

Benefits of BiodieselBenefits of Biodiesel

A 2001 study completed by the U.S.A 2001 study completed by the U.S.Dept. of Agriculture found that anDept. of Agriculture found that an

average annual increase of 200 millionaverage annual increase of 200 milliongallons of soy based biodiesel demandgallons of soy based biodiesel demandwould boost total crop cash receipts bywould boost total crop cash receipts by$5.2 billion by 2010.$5.2 billion by 2010.

The same increase in consumption wouldThe same increase in consumption wouldincrease the price for a bushel ofincrease the price for a bushel ofsoybeans by 17 cents.soybeans by 17 cents.


32/58

Biodiesel TodayBiodiesel Today

Like ethanol, biodiesel is primarily used as aLike ethanol, biodiesel is primarily used as afuel blend. Most diesel blends are comprisedfuel blend. Most diesel blends are comprised

of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percentof 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percentpetroleum diesel.petroleum diesel.

No additional modifications need to be addedNo additional modifications need to be addedto a vehicle that runs on this biodiesel mixture.to a vehicle that runs on this biodiesel mixture.

In addition, higher blends, even pure biodieselIn addition, higher blends, even pure biodieselcan be used in many engines built since 1994can be used in many engines built since 1994with little or no modifications.with little or no modifications.


33/58

How is Biodiesel Made?How is Biodiesel Made?

Fats and oils are chemically reacted withFats and oils are chemically reacted withmethanol to produce chemicalmethanol to produce chemical

compounds known as fatty acid methylcompounds known as fatty acid methylesters. Biodiesel is the name givenesters. Biodiesel is the name giventhese esters when theyre intended forthese esters when theyre intended for

use as a fuel.use as a fuel. Currently, there is enough feedstock toCurrently, there is enough feedstock to

supply 1.9 billion gallons of biodiesel.supply 1.9 billion gallons of biodiesel.


34/58

Biodiesel ProductionBiodiesel Production-- Much ofthe infrastructure forthe productionMuch ofthe infrastructure forthe production

of biodiesel is already in place.of biodiesel is already in place.


35/58

Emissions From BiodieselEmissions From Biodiesel

VehiclesVehiclesEmissionEmission B100B100 B20B20

CarbonCarbon

MonoxideMonoxide

--47%47% --12%12%

HydrocarbonsHydrocarbons --67%67% --20%20%

ParticulatesParticulates --48%48% --12%12%

NitrogenNitrogenOxidesOxides

+10%+10% +2%+2%

AirToxicsAirToxics --60%60%--90%90% --12%12%--20%20%

MutagenicityMutagenicity --80%80%--90%90% --20%20%


36/58

Illinois Clean School BusIllinois Clean School Bus

GrantsGrants On September 14, 2004 GovernorOn September 14, 2004 Governor

Blagojevich gave 19 school districts inBlagojevich gave 19 school districts in

Illinois grants for clean school buses.Illinois grants for clean school buses. These grants funded a total of 114 schoolThese grants funded a total of 114 school

buses that will use biodiesel fuel.buses that will use biodiesel fuel.


37/58

EPA Clean School BusEPA Clean School Bus

GrantsGrants The Environmental Protection Agency offersThe Environmental Protection Agency offers

grants to school districts throughout the Unitedgrants to school districts throughout the United

States to encourage the use of biodiesel.States to encourage the use of biodiesel.

The Olympia School District in Illinois receivedThe Olympia School District in Illinois receivedsuch a grant in 2002. Currently, all 33 of itssuch a grant in 2002. Currently, all 33 of itsbuses use biodiesel fuel.buses use biodiesel fuel.

The buses in Olympia School District travelThe buses in Olympia School District travelmore than 600,000 miles per year.more than 600,000 miles per year.


38/58

BiopowerBiopower

Biopower is the process of using biomassBiopower is the process of using biomass(plant and organic matter) to generate(plant and organic matter) to generate

electricity.electricity. Biomass has been used for lighting,Biomass has been used for lighting,

cooking, and heating ever since humanscooking, and heating ever since humans

first discovered fire.first discovered fire. Today, hundreds of US power plants useToday, hundreds of US power plants use

biomass resources to produce 65 billionbiomass resources to produce 65 billionkilowattkilowatt--hours of electricity each year.hours of electricity each year.


39/58

BiopowerBiopower

Biomass is the single largest source ofBiomass is the single largest source ofnonnon--hydro renewable electricity.hydro renewable electricity.

The majority of electricity produced fromThe majority of electricity produced frombiomass is used as base load power inbiomass is used as base load power inthe existing electrical distribution system.the existing electrical distribution system.

More than 200 companies generateMore than 200 companies generatebiomass power in the U.S.biomass power in the U.S.


40/58

BiopowerBiopower

The wood and paperThe wood and paperindustries generateindustries generate

and use about twoand use about two--thirds of this power.thirds of this power.

Biomass is the singleBiomass is the singlelargest source oflargest source of

nonnon--hydro renewablehydro renewableelectricity.electricity.


41/58

Environmental Benefits ofEnvironmental Benefits of

BiopowerBiopower Although biopower production results inAlthough biopower production results in

increased particulate emissions, they areincreased particulate emissions, they are

cleaner than coal fired power plants becausecleaner than coal fired power plants becausethey do not release sulfur dioxide.they do not release sulfur dioxide.

Additionally, bioenergy systems are carbonAdditionally, bioenergy systems are carbondioxide neutral because the plant materialdioxide neutral because the plant material

absorbs as much carbon dioxide during its lifeabsorbs as much carbon dioxide during its lifeas released when it is burned to produceas released when it is burned to produceelectricity.electricity.


42/58

Types of BiopowerTypes of Biopower

systemssystems

There are three different types ofThere are three different types ofbiopower systems: directbiopower systems: direct--fire, cofire, co--

firing, and gasification.firing, and gasification.


43/58

DirectDirect--FireFire

Direct firing involves burning biomass directlyDirect firing involves burning biomass directlyto produce steam. This steam is then capturedto produce steam. This steam is then captured

and directed to spin a turbine that producesand directed to spin a turbine that produceselectricity.electricity.

This system is very similar to conventionalThis system is very similar to conventionalpower production that produces electricity.power production that produces electricity.

Most of todays biopower plants use a directMost of todays biopower plants use a directcombustion systemcombustion system


44/58

DirectDirect fire plantfire plant


45/58

CoCo--FiringFiring

CoCo--firing is similar to direct firing exceptfiring is similar to direct firing exceptfor the fact that biomass materials arefor the fact that biomass materials are

burned in combination with a fossil fuel,burned in combination with a fossil fuel,most often coal, in a high efficiencymost often coal, in a high efficiencyboiler.boiler.

Utility companies use this approach toUtility companies use this approach toreduce overall air pollution emissions,reduce overall air pollution emissions,most notably sulfur dioxide.most notably sulfur dioxide.


46/58

GasificationGasification

Gasification systems are quite different fromGasification systems are quite different fromthe other two methods.the other two methods.

Gasification involves using high temperaturesGasification involves using high temperaturesin an oxygen starved environment to convertin an oxygen starved environment to convertbiomass into a gas.biomass into a gas.

This gas can then be used to fuel a combinedThis gas can then be used to fuel a combined--cycle gas turbine.cycle gas turbine.

Gasification is the preferred method given thatGasification is the preferred method given thatcombined gascombined gas--turbines are the most efficient ofturbines are the most efficient ofall power conversion technologies.all power conversion technologies.


47/58

Gasification PlantGasification Plant


48/58

Future Prospects ofFuture Prospects of

BioenergyBioenergy Bioenergy is generally cost competitive withBioenergy is generally cost competitive with

fossil fuel generated electricity when biomassfossil fuel generated electricity when biomass

residue prices are very low or negative.residue prices are very low or negative. Transportation costs are key to the price soTransportation costs are key to the price so

biomass power plants must be sited near anbiomass power plants must be sited near anongoing, reliable biomass source.ongoing, reliable biomass source.

Most analysts believe that the economics ofMost analysts believe that the economics ofbioenergy will improve withhigher efficiencies.bioenergy will improve withhigher efficiencies.


49/58

BiorefineryBiorefinery

A biorefinery is a facility that breaks downA biorefinery is a facility that breaks downbiomass into fuels, power, and chemicalsbiomass into fuels, power, and chemicals

than can be used forhuman use.than can be used forhuman use. By producing many different products, aBy producing many different products, a

biorefinery can take advantage of thebiorefinery can take advantage of the

differences in biomass components anddifferences in biomass components andmaximize the value derived frommaximize the value derived frombiomass.biomass.


50/58

Biorefinery ConceptBiorefinery Concept


51/58

BiorefineryBiorefinery

To be cost effective, a biorefinery wouldTo be cost effective, a biorefinery wouldhave to be located near a specifichave to be located near a specific

biomass resource, like a cornfield.biomass resource, like a cornfield.

Biorefineries are closely modeled afterBiorefineries are closely modeled after

petroleum refineries. A lot of thepetroleum refineries. A lot of thetechnology for an efficient biorefinery hastechnology for an efficient biorefinery hasalready been developed.already been developed.


52/58

Biobased ProductsBiobased Products

Biomass can also be used to make everydayBiomass can also be used to make everydayproducts that are usually produced using fossilproducts that are usually produced using fossil

fuelsfuels Any product that we can make from fossil fuelsAny product that we can make from fossil fuels

can be identically made from biomass.can be identically made from biomass.

Moreover, biobased products most oftenMoreover, biobased products most often

require less energy to produce than petroleumrequire less energy to produce than petroleumbased products.based products.


53/58


The U.S. already produces more than 300The U.S. already produces more than 300billion pounds of biobased products each year,billion pounds of biobased products each year,not including food.not including food.

Examples of biobased products include:Examples of biobased products include:plastics, cleaning products, natural fibers,plastics, cleaning products, natural fibers,natural structural materials, and industrialnatural structural materials, and industrialchemicals.chemicals.

Biorefineries can be used to produce a varietyBiorefineries can be used to produce a varietyof products that can be made from biomass.of products that can be made from biomass.

As a result, many people predict thatAs a result, many people predict thatbiorefineries could become commonplace.biorefineries could become commonplace.


54/58


DuPont has recently developed aDuPont has recently developed abiobased method that uses corn insteadbiobased method that uses corn instead

of petroleum based processes to produceof petroleum based processes to producea polymer platform for use in clothing,a polymer platform for use in clothing,carpets, and automobile interiors.carpets, and automobile interiors.

Additionally, Cargill Dow has aAdditionally, Cargill Dow has a

biorefinery in Blair, Nebraska that isbiorefinery in Blair, Nebraska that iscurrently producing polymers from corncurrently producing polymers from cornsugar.sugar.


55/58

Local Biomass InitiativesLocal Biomass Initiatives

The Great Lakes Biomass State RegionalThe Great Lakes Biomass State RegionalPartnership consists of Illinois, Indiana,Partnership consists of Illinois, Indiana,

Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, andIowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, andWisconsin.Wisconsin.

The Partnership was established by theThe Partnership was established by the

Dept. ofEnergy and is designed toDept. ofEnergy and is designed toencourage greater production and use ofencourage greater production and use ofbiomass for energy generation.biomass for energy generation.


56/58

The Great Lakes BiomassThe Great Lakes Biomass

Stat

e Regional

Pa

rt

nersh

ipStat

e Regional

Pa

rt

nersh

ip A grant is awarded annually to each stateA grant is awarded annually to each state

in the partnership to promote the use ofin the partnership to promote the use of

biomass and retain a project leaderbiomass and retain a project leaderknowledgeable about biomass energy onknowledgeable about biomass energy onthe staff of each state energy office.the staff of each state energy office.

These state offices perform resource

These state offices perform resourceassessments, demonstration projects,assessments, demonstration projects,

and provide technical assistance.and provide technical assistance.


57/58

Biomass and the FutureBiomass and the Future

More research is being conducted to improvingMore research is being conducted to improvingtechnologies for making electricity and fuelstechnologies for making electricity and fuelsfrom biomass.from biomass.

Some oil companies and petrochemicalSome oil companies and petrochemicalindustries have begun to explore biomassindustries have begun to explore biomassenergy.energy.

The biggest challenge is the cost of bioenergy:The biggest challenge is the cost of bioenergy:As long as fossil fuels remain cheaper thanAs long as fossil fuels remain cheaper thanbioenergy, people will be hesitant to invest inbioenergy, people will be hesitant to invest inthis technology.this technology.


58/58

Biomass and the FutureBiomass and the Future

The ability to cost effectively collect, store, andThe ability to cost effectively collect, store, andtransport biomass presents many challenges.transport biomass presents many challenges.

Infrastructure will have to be built to ensure aInfrastructure will have to be built to ensure asafe and efficient supply system for biomass.safe and efficient supply system for biomass.

Currently, the Idaho National Engineering andCurrently, the Idaho National Engineering andEnvironmental Laboratory is conducting R&DEnvironmental Laboratory is conducting R&D

in how to develop infrastructure for biomassin how to develop infrastructure for biomassenergy.energy.

biomass as an alternative fuel

Documents