Biomass power

lBiomass is organic material of recent origin that can be used as a source of energy. It generally includes crops and other plants, as well as agricultural, forest, sawdust and agro-industrial waste

lElectricity that is produced as a result of utilizing surplus biomass sources into energy is considered biomass power. Biomass combusted in a boiler produces steam. This steam drives a turbine generator that produces electricity. This electricity will be fed into the high voltage transmission grid to be transported to end-users.

 * Direct Biomass combustion:  Generation of electricity through heat & steam

 * Biomass Liquefaction via Pyrolysis:  Power generation by combustion of pyrolysis oil

 * Gasification of Biomass:  Power generation using derived producer gas.

 * Organic plant based oil: Generation of electricity using CPO(i.e. Crude Palm Oil - CPO)

 * Bio gas anaerobic digestion: Power generation using scrubbed methane gas.

Electricity can also be generated from Biomass and stored to be used in homes. Let's see this simple illustration of how biomass is used to generate electricity.

1. Energy from the sun is transferred and stored in plants. When the plants are cut or die, wood chips, straw and other plant matter is delivered to the bunker.
2. This is burned to heat water in a boiler to release heat energy (steam).
3. The energy/power from the steam is directed to turbines with pipes.
4. The steam turns a number of blades in the turbine and generators, which are made of coils and magnets.
5. The charged magnetic feilds produce electricity, which is sent to homes by cables.
Why Biomass?

Biomass is a renewable energy resource derived from the carbonaceous waste of various human and natural activities. It is derived from numerous sources, including the by-products from the timber industry, agricultural crops, raw material from the forest, major parts of household waste and wood.

Biomass does not add carbon dioxide to the atmosphere as it absorbs the same amount of carbon in growing as it releases when consumed as a fuel.
The biomass reduces energy costs and keeps dollars within the local economy. Income from the sale of biomass could benefit individuals in rural economies.  Sales of agricultural residues like wheat straw and corn stover would serve as a second crop with minimal cost for field maintenance. In addition, biomass collection and handling, as well as installing and operating gasifier systems will bring additional jobs to rural communities.

Before biomass can achieve its full potential, there is a need for coordinated action, led by governments, to identify and overcome a number of barriers, including institutional, transitional, financial, and technical issues. Without government incentives, the cost of efficient wood burning equipment is too expensive for most individuals, as well as small- to medium-sized installations
.

There are many potential biomass sources available, with varying advantages and disadvantages. Although municipal solid waste is heavily regulated and faces opposition from the public it does provide a feasible solution to waste production and can prove economically viable for large commercial power plants. Commercial and industrial wastes can provide a large amount of biomass material and is promising for use on the site where it is produced.