| Biomass is any organic material that is made by plants | | | | processes are energy intensive meaning a lot of |
| and animals. This includes all parts of plants, animal | | | | energy is lost in converting biomass into the other |
| flesh and excretions such as manure. Biomass in rich | | | | forms of fuel or energy. Because of this these |
| in energy that can be used for fuel which is called | | | | biofuels have not been cost effective or practical. |
| biofuel. | | | | With all the technology going into biofuel research the |
| Fossil fuels are also a biomass since it's believed that | | | | one form of biofuel that we have been using since |
| they come from ancient plants and animals. But | | | | ancient times still remains the most efficient and |
| usually when people speak of biomass they are | | | | practical. Burning biomass such as wood for direct |
| talking about material produced from sources that | | | | heating is still the most efficient. |
| are alive now or were recently. | | | | Instead of focusing on trying to use biomass to fuel |
| Biofuel is often talked about as though it was a new | | | | our cars and generate electricity we may be better |
| technology that we can use in the future to help | | | | off using it to heat our homes and buildings. Firewood |
| solve our energy supply problems. But humans have | | | | may not be practical for most people but pellets |
| been using biofuel since the beginning of humanity. | | | | made from wood and other biomass may be. Burning |
| The food we eat is a form of biofuel that we | | | | pellets is cost effective, clean and may be the most |
| wouldn't exist without. Humans have also used plant | | | | efficient way to utilize the energy in biomass. |
| materials such as wood wax and whale oil as a fuel | | | | For those who want to use biomass as a renewable |
| to burn for heat and light for thousands of years. | | | | energy source heating with wood or other biomass |
| Newer technologies have allowed us to use biomass | | | | pellets are practical and economical and the |
| for making other biofuels. Biomass can be burned to | | | | technology and distribution systems are already |
| power electric generators or made into methane, | | | | available. |
| alcohol or bio diesel for powering our cars. These | | | | |