Biomass energy
WOOD PELLETS – Biofuels made from compacted
sawdust and other wood trimmings.
Biomass is an organic material that comes from plants,
wood, waste and animals, and it is a renewable source
of energy.
Biomass contains energy first derived from the sun:
Plants absorb the sun’s energy through photosynthesis,
and convert CO2 and H2O into
nutrients(carbohydrates).
Process of extraction
Thermal Conversion
Biomass can be burned by thermal conversion and
used for energy. Thermal conversion involves heating
the biomass feedstock (biomass material) in order to
burn, dehydrate or stabilize it.
The most common biomass feedstocks are raw
materials such as Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) and
scraps from paper or lumber mills.
Biomass energy is produced through thermal
conversion through different processes:
1. Direct Firing and Co-Firing
2. Pyrolysis
3. Gasification
4. Anaerobic Decomposition
Direct Firing
Most briquettes are burned directly. The steam
produced during firing process powers a turbine, which
turns a generator and produces electricity.
Co-Firing
Biomass can also be co-fired, or burned with fossil fuel
which eases the demand for coal and other fossil fuels.
Pyrolysis
-biomass is heated to 200˚C to 300˚C with limited
amount of oxygen. This process produces a dark liquid
called pyrolysis oil, a synthetic gas called syngas, and a
solid residue called biochar.
Gasification
During gasification, biomass is heated to more than
700˚C to 300˚C with a controlled amount of oxygen. This
process produces syngas and slag. Syngas can be
used for combustion and energy production, while slag
are used in production of cement and asphalt.
Anaerobic Decomposition
-process where microorganisms, usually bacteria, break
down the material in the absence of oxygen.
In an anaerobic environment, biomass decays and
produces methane, which is a valuable energy source.
This methane can replace fossil fuels.
Biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel are also used
to produce biomass energy.
Ethanol is made by fermenting biomass that is high in
carbohydrates, such as sugar cane, wheat, or corn.
Biodiesel is made from combining ethanol with animal
fat, recycled cooking fat, or vegetable oil.
Biomass as a renewable source of energy
 because it utilize organic materials such as plants
and municipal solid wastes which are consistently
available, replenished in a relatively short amount
of time, and can be managed sustainably.
LOCAL EXAMPLES
San Carlos BioPower is a 19.99MW Biomass power
plant fueled by local agricultural residues mainly
sugarcane.
(San Carlos City, Negros Occidental)
Isabela Biomass Energy Corporation is a 20MW
Biomass power plant fueled by local agricultural
residues mainly rice husks. (Luna and Cabatuan,
Isabela)
International EXAMPLES
Ironbridge is the largest biomass power plant in the
world with a 740MW capacity fueled by wood pellets.
(Severn Gorge, United Kingdom)
Alholmens Kraft is the 2nd largest biomass power plant
in the world with a 265MW capacity fueled by wood-
based biofuels. (Jakobstad, Finland)
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
1) It is renewable.
2) It promotes carbon neutrality.
3) Makes us less dependent on fossil fuels.
4) It is versatile (can be converted into many different
fuel sources).
5) It has low cost in comparison to fossil fuels.
6) Availability (biomass fuels are abundant.)
7) It reduces wastes.
8) Domestic production (anybody could produce and
use it on a domestic level)
Disadvantages
1. It is not completely clean.
2. High costs in comparison to other alternatives
3. Possible deforestation
4. Space
5. It requires water.
6. Its under development