Biomass as a Solution?
27, August 2024
Biomass is a natural substance that can be used for energy generation. It has been a part of our existence since our ancestors learned to control fire. Biomass consists of wood mass, agricultural residue, animal manure, organic waste, and algae procured from living organisms.
Through processes such as combustion, fermentation, and gasification, these materials are converted into energy.
The controversy – pros and cons of biomass
There are many advantages of biomass. The overall power of biomass is that it is renewable and a reliable energy source. Wood, food, and animal waste are increasing daily, creating endless biomass potential. It is not dependent on the weather, which is the case with wind and solar energy. The main issue with the wind is that wind turbines can not generate electricity if the wind is not blowing, making wind energy available on demand unless paired with battery storage.In contrast, bioenergy power plants can be operated whenever! The only necessity is enough biomass material, to allow for consistent electricity production.
Finally, CO2 emissions are a significant factor that contributes to climate change. Biomass is considered a carbon-neutral energy source. However, burning biomass releases carbon dioxide equal to the amount previously absorbed by the plants during their growth. Thus, biomass burning does not add new carbon emissions to the atmosphere. New plants then absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, continuing the cycle.
There are a few limitations of biomass. These include high costs, significant space requirements, greenhouse gas emissions, potential environmental harm, and lower efficiency compared to other energy sources. Utilizing biomass involves investing in infrastructure for production, harvesting, and transportation. This includes setting up processing plants, managing the collection and transportation of biomass materials, and maintaining storage facilities.
Moreover, it can be cumbersome, demanding a lot of storage space.
Although biomass is considered carbon-neutral, it still emits carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses, such as methane. Additionally, biomass can have negative environmental impacts, such as deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and pollution from fertilizer use. Despite these issues, biomass is generally cheaper than fossil fuels but remains less efficient than other renewable energy sources.
Harnessing biomass
The most recognized method of using biomass for heating is through pellets, typically made from wood. The pellet is known for its high energy efficiency. Biofuels are developed via the processing of various types of biomass. Bioethanol, an alternative to gasoline, is produced from raw materials such as potatoes, sunflowers, corn, etc. Biodiesel obtained from oilseeds, is an environmentally friendly option for driving. Biogas is created by processing animal excrement, solid biomass, and sewage waste. This resource can be used as fuel to produce electricity and heat water, offering an excellent alternative to natural gas.
Serbia and biomass
In Serbia, biomass is used as a renewable energy source, with actions focused on utilizing agricultural residues, wood waste, and specially cultivated energy crops. The country has been developing biomass power plants and biogas facilities to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and enhance energy security. However, challenges such as the need for improved infrastructure, investment costs, and ensuring sustainable biomass sourcing remain. Another important advantage of biomass usage is that it makes the country less dependent on imported gas.
Serbia has a lot of biomass potential but does not utilize it. Annually, Serbia produces around 100,000 tons of wood pellets. These pellets are used for heating and as a renewable energy source in various applications. Serbia also generates significant quantities of agricultural residues, with estimates of around 500,000 tons of straw and other byproducts available for energy use each year.
Under the project – Renewable Energy Sources – development of the biomass industry, Serbia will receive an additional €99 million in European Union assistance to continue the development of its biomass market. This year the first phase of the project was completed. During this, the municipalities of Priboj, Mali Zvornik, Novi Pazar, and Majdanpek transitioned their district heating systems to wood biomass.
The future of biomass energy seems promising as advancements in technology and increased investments continue to enhance its efficiency and sustainability. Biomass has the potential to play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to a more renewable energy system. Nonetheless, it is crucial to continue the development of knowledge and research on biomass to minimize its harmful impact.
In Serbia, recent EU funding of €99 million highlights commitment to expanding the biomass sector, with ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and utilization. As Serbia increases its biomass production and integrates it further into its energy mix, it is well-positioned to leverage this renewable resource for economic and environmental benefits.
Author: Aleksandra Lazić
