Biomass Energy

Biomass energy is commonly defined as a type of energy derived from plants or parts of plants. By extending the definition to include all organic materials produced by plants and animals that has the potential to produce energy, methane gas, for example, the list of biomass materials also grows.

Biomass energy is one of the oldest forms of energy, and can be traced by to the time people began using wood to cook a meal. Today biomass energy today accounts for a very small (less than five percent) portion of total energy use in the United States.

The renewed interest in biomass energy results from concerns about the environmental and security issues arising from the United States' reliance on oil as the primary energy source. Designed properly, many forms of biomass energy create less amounts of greenhouse gas emissions, the cause of climate change, and help reduce dependence on foreign sources of oil.

This section provides news and background information on different types of biomass energy.

Biodiesel in the Pacific Northwest
This article reviews the biodiesel market in the Pacific Northwest.

Biomass By the Numbers
Up to date statistics covering the biomass industry.

Managing Biomass on Forest Floors
A review of a recent report.

Mow Your Gas: The Ethanol of the Future
Landscaping and yard care of the future will mean turning your grass into gas.

Pellet Stoves: A Biomass Alternative
High tech pellet stoves are a popular item on the market today.

The Reliability of Biodiesel Fuel
Research by scientists from the NREL shows little performance difference between buses running on diesel compared to biodiesel.

Renewable Energy
Additional renewable energy information.

© 2009 Patricia A. Michaels