Biomass
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What is Biomass
Cells are basic building blocks of non-fossil biological material.
Biomass is biological non-fossil material derived from living or recently living organisms, including plants and animals. In the energy sector, the term usually refers to organic material that can be used to produce heat, electricity or fuels.
The amount of solar energy stored annually in newly produced biomass is several times greater than total global energy consumption.
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Video: Animated diagram of photosynthesis.
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Origin of Biomass
The chemical energy stored in biomass originates from solar energy captured during photosynthesis in the green parts of plants containing chlorophyll. This chemical energy can later be released and used for energy production.
During photosynthesis, plants use carbon dioxide and water, with energy from sunlight, to produce sugars. These compounds can then be converted into more complex carbohydrates and other organic substances, including proteins. Since carbon compounds form the basis of living matter, the chemical energy stored in them can later be used for energy production.
Chemical equation of photosynthesis:
6 CO2+12 H2O → (solar energy) → C6H12O6 + 6 O2 + 6 H2O
Biomass Classification by Origin
We can categorize biomass into three types according to their origin:
Plant biomassannual and perennial plants |
Woody biomasswood and other woody plant material |
Animal biomassanimal-derived organic material |
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