Biomass Burning

Burning Biomass to meet energy needs and reduction standards in North America has become quite popular in recent years.

For a quick refresher, burning of biomass is different than biomass. Biomass involves obtaining energy from a living or formerly living thing (plants, gas or fuels) which includes obtaining energy while the living organism is alive.

Burning of biomass is exactly what it sounds like- obtaining energy by burning formerly living things. Most commonly wood.

A quick google will show that burning of biomass has grown in popularity in the last 20 years, with many organizations and governments advocating this 'environmentally friendly' method of energy production.

However my issue with biomass burning is the same with corn ethanol fuel or nuclear energy. I feel that people who advocate it fail to encompass the entire process when labeling it as 'green'.

Treehugger has a great article on the plans for increasing biomass burning in North America and the many effects it will have on us environmentally- 120 new plants are planned in the US which means 46,000 square feet of forest will have to clear cut. The piece also goes into detail as to why the method is being embraced by power plants, small capital investments but enough to meet emissions reductions requirements.

Yes burning of biomass will reduce emissions... but that is one benefit to an entire process.

I do think that biomass burning is an improvement but it's really just a small improvement to an industry that needs drastic changes and soon.