UNUSUAL SOURCES
POWER FROM
BIOMASS AND BIOENERGY
Biomass refers to any organic material derived from living or recently living organisms, primarily plants and animals. It encompasses a wide variety of biological materials including wood, crop residues, animal manure, algae, and even organic waste. Biomass has been used as a source of energy for millennia—initially as wood for cooking and heating—and continues to play a significant role in global energy supply.
Bioenergy is the energy derived from biomass. It is considered a form of renewable energy because biomass can be replenished relatively quickly through natural processes such as photosynthesis and agricultural growth cycles. Bioenergy can be used in several forms: heat, electricity, and transportation fuels, commonly known as biofuels.
Biomass and bioenergy offer a bridge between traditional energy systems and a sustainable future. As technologies improve and awareness grows, biomass could play a pivotal role in achieving energy security, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting economic development.