What is biomass? What is it made of? Everything you need to know

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What is biomass and why is it important?

When looking for an answer to the question of what biomass is, it is worth pointing out that it is one of the oldest energy sources used by mankind. In 2023, 5.7%1 of electricity was produced from bioenergy in the European Union. In Poland, the relevance of biomass is also highlighted, especially in the context of aiming to achieve the assumptions of the Polish Energy Policy until 2040 (PEP2040)2, where it is assumed that a min. 23% share of RES in gross domestic final energy consumption.

As defined in the Renewable Energy Sources Act of 20 February 20153, biomass is any biodegradable organic matter that occurs on the planet. It includes both plant and animal materials that can be converted into heat or electricity, including waste from agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, fisheries, as well as the biodegradable part of industrial and municipal waste.

Biomass is an important source of renewable energy that contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. It is important for several reasons.

1. Firstly, biomass resources are estimated to be the largest of any known renewable energy source. It can be continually harvested and even cultivated. It is also the most stable source because of its ability to accurately predict and calculate the amount of energy that can be produced.
2. Secondly, it helps reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, which is important in the context of climate change and energy security. Finally, the use of biomass can contribute to local economies by stimulating agricultural and forestry production.

Biomass energy - how is it produced?

Biomass energy production can take place in several ways. One of the most common is the burning of biomass to produce heat, which is then used to heat buildings or converted into electricity. Other methods are fermentation, gasification or pyrolysis, which allow biogas or biofuels to be extracted, thus providing a source of renewable and environmentally friendly energy.

Biomass in solid form is mainly derived from sawdust and chips produced from trees and plants. The most recognised forms of biomass in solid form are wood, pellets or briquettes, which are commonly used to heat homes. In contrast, oilseed crops such as sugar cane or maize are used to produce biofuel through an alcoholic fermentation process. The process produces bioethanol, which enriches, or replaces, traditional fuels.

Biogas is another valuable product derived from biomass that is used to produce energy. It is a mixture of gases, mainly methane and carbon dioxide, resulting from the organic fermentation process. This process takes place in special installations where biomass is broken down by micro-organisms under anaerobic conditions. During fermentation, the microorganisms break down the organic matter, producing biogas as a by-product. The biogas can then be used to produce electricity and heat.

According to an amendment to the RES Act of August 2023, the possibility of obtaining a guarantee of origin has been extended for biogas, agricultural biogas and biomethane, among others. Until now, a guarantee of origin could only be obtained for electricity generated from renewable energy sources and fed into the grid. This change significantly benefits renewable gas, heat and cold, as image-wise it will be tantamount to using eclectic energy from renewable sources.

Overview of biomass sources: what can be converted into energy?

Wood and other forest products are a traditional source of biomass that is widely used to produce heat and electricity. Agricultural wastes, such as straw or cereal hulls, also have a high energy potential and can be efficiently used as biofuels.

In addition, food waste, which is often an environmental issue, can be fermented or gasified. Even certain species of grasses and energy crops, specially cultivated for biomass production, can be used for energy production. They should be characterised above all by their high calorific value, hardiness and rapid annual growth. In Poland, popular energy crops include topinambur, energy willow or multiflora rose.

Processes such as fermentation, gasification and combustion enable the conversion of these diverse biomass feedstocks into heat, electricity or biofuels, which contributes to the sustainable use of natural resources and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

An overview of biomass sources shows the wealth of available feedstocks that can be converted into energy

Biomass in everyday life - applications and examples

Biomass has many uses beyond energy production. It can be used as a fuel for heating homes or as an ingredient in biodegradable packaging and products. For example, wood pellets used for heating are a popular product made from biomass. In addition, biofuels used to power vehicles can also be produced from a variety of biomass sources, helping to reduce emissions.

Biomass also finds its place in the industrial and agricultural sectors. For example, agricultural waste, such as straw or crop residues, can be converted into biogas or compost, which can be used to fertilise the soil. In addition, biogas production from organic waste can also provide additional income for farms.

In a globalised world where climate change is becoming an increasingly pressing issue, the use of renewable energy sources such as biomass is becoming increasingly important. However, it is important to keep in mind the need for sustainable practices in the harvesting and use of biomass to ensure that the benefits of its use do not negatively impact the environment.

Biomass - summary

Today's technologies allow increasingly efficient use of biomass, reducing emissions and increasing the efficiency of conversion processes. However, in order to achieve the full potential of this form of energy, it is necessary to continue to invest in research and development of new technologies, as well as to promote sustainable biomass management practices.

It is also worth noting that biomass can be an important part of strategies to combat climate change, especially in sectors where it is difficult to replace traditional fossil fuels. By further developing technology and promoting innovative solutions, we can make biomass an even more efficient and environmentally friendly energy source.

If the topic is of interest to you and you would like to learn more about renewable energy sources, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

 

1. European Electricity Review 2024, EMBER, s. 82
2. https://www.dziennikustaw.gov.pl/MP/2021/264 [dostęp 19.04.2024 r.]
3. https://isap.sejm.gov.pl/isap.nsf/DocDetails.xsp?id=WDU20150000478 [dostęp 19.04.2024 r.]