Biomass
Agricultural and Forestry Waste Technical Brochures
An Analysis of the Environmental Impacts of Energy Crops in the USA: Methodologies, Conclusions and Recommendations Concerns about global climate change and air quality are driving increased interest in biomass and other energy sources that are potentially CO2-neutral and less polluting. Large-scale bioenergy development could bring significant environmental benefits -- or equally significant damages -- depending on the specifics. In particular, the land requirements for biomass production could be immense.
A Regional-Scale GIS-Based Modeling System for Evaluating the Potential Costs and Supplies of Biomass from Biomass Crops A GIS-based modeling system was developed for analyzing the geographic variation in potential bioenergy feedstock supplies and optimal locations for siting bioenergy facilities. The modeling system is designed for analyzing individual U.S. states but could readily be adapted to any geographic region.
Arkenol Arkenol is a technology and project development company whose focus is the construction and operation of biorefineries on a worldwide basis to produce a variety of biobased chemicals and transportation fuels. These biorefineries utilize a proprietary technology, called concentrated acid hydrolysis, that converts various forms of biomass into simple sugars. It is from these sugars that many chemicals can be made.
BC Pellet Fuel Manufacturers Association The B.C. Pellet Fuel Manufacturers Association (BCPFMA) was formed in 1996 as a result of an initiative of Forest Renewal B.C. Information posted here will help you appreciate the benefits of using pellet fuel for residential, commercial and industrial heating. Pellet fuel is typically made by densifying sawdust, a by-product of lumber production.
BEAM - An Integrated Biomass to Electricity Model A spread sheet-based decision support system has been developed allowing easy evaluation of integrated biomass to electricity systems. Technical and economic parameters can be assessed for a variety of feedstocks, conversion technologies and generating cycles. A spreadsheet format has been used to make the model inherently expandable: new system options can be added by adding new spreadsheets and making adjustments to the executive program. The long term aim is to provide a simple model with on line help and information that will allow biomass systems developers to make initial assessments of the feedstock and technology options available, and to direct research and development towards more promising areas.
Biofuels Information Center The center is operated by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory with funding and direction from the Office of Fuels Development within the Office of Transportation Technologies (OTT) at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The center maintains technical information on biofuels conversion research conducted under U.S. DOE supervision from 1980 to the present. The center is linked to the Biofuels Information Network, located at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where information can be obtained about the DOE Biofuels Feedstock Development Program.
Biomass Energy Alliance (BEA) Information Resource Up-to-date information on biomass and related federal information.
Biomass Energy - Converting Biomass Into Useful Energy Biomass energy—the energy contained in plants and organic matter—is one of humanity's earliest sources of energy. Today, various forms of biomass energy account for nearly 4 percent of all energy consumed in the U.S. and 45 percent of renewable energy used in the U.S. Biomass is used to meet a variety of energy needs, including generating electricity, heating homes, fueling vehicles and providing process heat for industrial facilities.
Biomass Energy Fact Sheet - Generating Electricity from Biomass Fuel Crops
Biomass Information Sources on Internet Links to biomass information sources.
Biomass Power Industry Assessment Report During September 1992 through January 1993, a review team established by the Department of Energy conducted an assessment of the U.S. biomass power industry. The review team, led by Michael Reed of the Solar Thermal and Biomass Power Division, and consisting of representatives of the Antares Group, Inc., and Meridian Corporation, visited with more than 50 organizations representing all sectors of the biomass power industry. These organizations included utilities, independent power producers (IPP), component manufacturers, engineering and construction contractors, agricultural organizations, industrial users, and regulatory organizations.
Biomass Resources for Energy and Industry An article by Lynn and Judy Osburn © 1993. Biomass is the term used to describe all biologically produced matter. World production of biomass is estimated at 146 billion metric tons a year, mostly wild plant growth. Some farm crops and trees can produce up to 20 metric tons per acre of biomass a year. Types of algae and grasses may produce 50 metric tons per year.
Biomass Resources Information Clearinghouse The purpose of this clearinghouse is to provide high-quality biomass resource data for the United States.
Biomass - What Is It? A fact sheet about biomass energy and its use in Hawaii.
Canadian Renewable Fuels Association (CRFA) The Canadian Renewable Fuels Association (CRFA) is dedicated to development and promotion of biomass-based, environmentally beneficial transportation fuels, particularly ethanol and biodiesel. The association's membership includes individuals, environmentalists, farmers, agri-business, commodity organizations, ethanol manufacturers, fuel retailers, engineering, design and energy companies.
Case Study: Dow Corning Corporation Biomass Cogeneration Plant Presentation by Terry DeBlaay, Forester, Dow Corning Corporation. After a feasibility study to assess the fuel supply, the 22 megawatt Steam & Electric Cogeneration plant (SECO) was constructed in 1982. The plant continues to operate today, making use of wood harvested from forest stands as well as waste wood. At present, 60% of the fuel supply comes from wood harvested from forest sources. The remainder comes from industrial and commercial waste wood.
Centre for Biomass Technology A Danish biomass information network of four technological institutes working with biomass. Their job is to promote the utilization of wood, straw and other biofuels for energy purposes as alternatives to traditional fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas.
Development of Rapeseed Biodiesel for Use in High-Speed Diesel Engines Biodiesel, produced from winter rapeseed as methyl or ethyl esters has been shown, as a result of this research, to be an excellent fuel for diesel engines. The major advantages are that it is renewable, it is biodegradable performing as well or better than the controls, it passed all of the toxicity tests at a rate equivalent or higher than diesel, it has a high flash point in the neat form, it is almost odorless, it reduces total CO2 released to the atmosphere because of that used by the plant in growing the oil, and it reduces some tailpipe emissions notably HC and CO. Areas needing further study are the NOx and PM trade off in the emissions, cold weather properties, feedstock supply, and cost to the end user.
Electricity Production from Wood Wastes Reduces Air Pollution In the late 1970s, the investor owned utility, Washington Water Power Company (WWP) decided to build a power plant fueled entirely by wood waste from the eastern Washington and northern Idaho lumber industry. Previously, lumber mills disposed of waste in wigwam burners, which caused serious air pollution problems and failed to recover any energy. A dedicated wood waste fired power station, incorporating state of the art emission controls, offered a solution to the growing environmental concern, and also provided WWP with an energy resource alternative to the hydro electric supplies of the northwest United States.
Energy Crops Common Purpose is currently working with The University of Florida, Electric Utilities, Agriculture Interests, and Engineering Firms to commercialize biomass co-firing projects for existing fossil fuel boilers within the State. All engineering approaches use existing co-firing technologies which have been utilized within the Pulp and Paper Industry for over a decade (i.e., external gasification, hydra-grates, modification of coal ports, drying, and supplemental boilers).
Hybrid Energy Systems Hybrid Energy Systems is a research group based at DeMontfort University Lincoln, School of Agriculture and Horticulture. Hybrid Energy Systems is part of the Innovative Technolgy Group, which also research's into the development of waste incinerators for use in remote location, click here for a link to Incinerator project work. The research group is constructing a pioneering project, believed to be one of the first of its kind in the world, which brings together eco-friendly energy sources which could revolutionise the way our power is generated.
Internet Links on Biomass Links to biomass information sources.
Life Cycle Assessment of a Biomass Gasification Combined-Cycle System This document can be viewed in 13 sections, each in a portable document file format (Adobe PDF). Learn about PDF. This option allows you to view or print the document in one section. Note: this file is extremely large, and depending on your system and connection speed, may take several minutes to several hours to download and/or print. (PDF Format 22.5MB).
National BioEnergy Industries Association The National BioEnergy Industries Association (NBIA) was established to: (1) encourage broad public and private participation in the development of clean, renewable bioenergy resources, and to promote responsible agriculture and forest management practices; (2) unite private sector firms, public and private organizations, and individuals who wish to promote the sustainable use of our nation's biomass resources; and (3) focus public and legislative attention on America's greatest untapped renewable energy resources, and underscore their contribution toward economic development and energy independence at the local, national, and international levels.
Regional Wood Energy Development Programme - Growing Demand for Wood Energy Wood energy (fuelwood and charcoal) is, and will remain, an important source of energy in South and Southeast Asia. In most countries between 20% and 80% of energy demand is met by wood. The use of woodfuels is still increasing, though not as fast as the use of fossil fuels.
Sharing Information About Biomass Energy If you are interested in sharing information about biomass energy subjects, then we invite you to join the bioenergy mailing lists on the Internet. The bioenergy mailing lists are hosted by the Center for Renewable Energy & Sustainable Technologies (CREST) for industry, academia and government to discuss biomass production and conversion to energy. There are five lists at CREST.
TREElectric PTY LTD - Power Gasification Systems and Biomass Energy Cropping TREElectric Pty Ltd is a vibrant young Australian company which is promoting the establishment of global environmentally sustainable energy systems. During the late 1980's, personal concern of the company founder and managing director, Mr Neil Aitchison, for the growing problem of soil degradation and the potential alleviation through tree planting, led to an investigation of economic and practical end uses for the resulting biomass. In the course of further investigation for the viable establishment of agroforestry on degraded soils, it became apparent that a new industry potentially exists in energy generation from biomass energy crops and biomass residues.
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