Biomass pellets are a biological fuel made from compressed organic matter or biomass. Biomass is a renewable source of energy that is derived from wood, agricultural crops, waste and residues as well as manure. It is used to produce electricity and heat and currently accounts for roughly 10% of global energy supply.
Why biomass?
Renewable and Abundant
Biomass is considered a renewable energy source because many biomass fuels like wood and plants can be regrown. Other organic material like waste and plant matter are constantly being produced by the world.
The sources of biomass energy are readily available worldwide, as they are part of the natural life cycle of the planet. This ensures that we may never encounter the same availability issues with fossil fuels.
Reduces greenhouse emissions and keeps the environment clean
Biomass is carbon neutral. The carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere from biomass fuels is the amount absorbed by plants during their life cycles. In a continuous replenishment cycle, new plants absorb the same quantity of carbon to create a neutral balance with no new carbon created.
Biodegradable waste and plant matter, when converted into biomass, reduces the waste that is stored in landfills. This keeps the environment clean, minimizing the effects of contamination on natural habitats and wildlife.
Cost effective
Compared to coal and oil, it is more inexpensive to harness energy from biomass. The lower cost of producing biomass is passed on to consumers.
Uses of biomass
Biomass pellets are used in large-scale power plants to generate power or used for commercial and residential heating and cooking.