Biomass

Biomass (sometimes called boiler fuel) is an energy source derived from renewable and sustainable organic materials to create electricity or other forms of power. It is typically plant-based but also includes agricultural and municipal waste.

Using wood for fire is the most common source of biomass energy today and is utilized worldwide.

Biomass fuels include:

• Wood from scrap lumber, forest debris and other waste wood streams
• Crops such as corn, sugarcane, bamboo, sorghum, grasses and small trees
• Agricultural and municipal waste

Biomass is either converted to various types of biofuel or used directly by burning. Burning creates heat and produces steam which turns a turbine generating electricity. Emissions are typically less than when using fossil fuels.