| As fuel prices propel upward around the world and | | | | economy. The country is well-known for its |
| further concerns mount over global warming, many | | | | sugarcane production and uses its large reserves to |
| researchers and policy makers are looking toward | | | | produce fuel. E20 (20% ethanol and 80% gasoline) |
| renewable energy sources. For the most part, power | | | | gas mixtures are mandated throughout the country. |
| made from natural sources is low-impact because | | | | This system has allowed Brazilians to grow, process, |
| biological material can be quickly restored through | | | | buy fuel, and improve their economy while slowly |
| natural processes. | | | | reducing their dependence on other countries. |
| Large markets are starting to shy away from fossil | | | | The United States uses its significant corn crops to |
| fuels and embrace more responsible biomass | | | | secure its place as the largest worldwide ethanol |
| alternatives. The field is gaining momentum and there | | | | producer. Most state governments require the usage |
| are thousands of newly viable ways to create | | | | of E10 in order to reduce pollution and replace the |
| planet-friendly energy. | | | | need for MTBE in gasoline. |
| What is biomass energy? | | | | The use of ethanol is still controversial. Some argue |
| Even though it is only now gaining credibility and | | | | that it raised the cost of fuel mixtures and that extra |
| market share, biofuel is not new. In fact, early | | | | harvest and production energy negate any |
| humans created biomass energy by burning wood. | | | | environmental benefit. They also cite the tendency of |
| Biomass is any biological material that can be used for | | | | ethanol speculation to increase the price of staple |
| industrial purposes. Coal and petroleum are not | | | | crops and thus taking food away from lower classes |
| considered biomass because they were transformed | | | | priced out of the market. |
| from organic material into fossils by geological means. | | | | Producing Heat and Electricity |
| When something organic, like wood, is used as fuel, | | | | Biomass fuels are not only in use on the highway. |
| the heat it generates is biomass energy. | | | | One of the most popular remedies for the rising cost |
| The State of Biomass Energy | | | | of heating fuel over the past few years have been |
| Continuing instability in global oil markets and the | | | | pellet stoves. These units provide heat to spaces by |
| predicted depletion of fossil fuels has created a new | | | | burning pellets made from compressed sawdust. |
| interest in biomass energy in recent years. The | | | | They are highly efficient and provide a cheap |
| concept of biofuel is not a new one, but it has | | | | alternative to furnaces and electric systems. Other |
| always been dismissed in the past as less than cost | | | | renewable byproducts from industrial processes can |
| effective. The rising cost of gasoline and heating fuel | | | | also be burned off. This biomass and other biofuels |
| has narrowed the price gap. In light of these record | | | | can be used to produce electricity, but no large scale |
| prices, adding biomass infrastructure has become | | | | proof-of-concept has yet been implemented. |
| more attractive. Proponents of biofuel argue that | | | | The Future of Biomass Energy |
| wider distribution will eventually lead to lower prices. | | | | As fossil fuels rapidly deplete, governments around |
| One of the ripest areas for biomass energy | | | | the world have recognized the need to harness |
| development is the personal vehicle market. The | | | | biomass energy. Since it can be used in existing car |
| United States is facing record gas prices, and many | | | | engines without minimal changes, biofuels are |
| citizens are having to change their travel habits. | | | | currently a popular option to replace gasoline and |
| Biofuels such of bioethanol, biodiesel, and vegetable oil | | | | diesel. Solar, hydroelectric, wind, nuclear, and |
| can all be used to power specially outfitted vehicles. | | | | geothermal energy options still outpace biomass with |
| The Popularity of Bioethanol | | | | regard to producing electricity, but researchers hope |
| Ethanol, in particular, is now used throughout the | | | | that improved infrastructure will close the gap. |
| world to supplemental gasoline usage. Ethyl alcohol | | | | In the rush to find a new way to power the world, |
| can be synthesized from a number of common crops | | | | scientists are reviewing all available options. Biomass is |
| like sugar or corn. Most consumer cars in the United | | | | attractive because it is completely renewable and |
| States can use fuel that is 10% ethanol. Flexible-fuel | | | | collection is easy. As research continues, the ways to |
| vehicles have engine modifications that allow them to | | | | produce and use biomass energy continue to grow. It |
| use much high concentrations of the fuel. | | | | is unlikely that it will be the ultimate solution to |
| Brazil, the second largest producer of ethanol in the | | | | current energy problems, but it will certainly play a |
| world, is said to be the first sustainable ethanol | | | | part in the coming transition from fossil fuels. |