Biomass
The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s Biomass Program works with industry, academia and our national laboratory partners on a balanced portfolio of research in biomass feedstocks and conversion technologies. Through research, development, and demonstration efforts geared at the development of integrated biorefineries, the Biomass Program is helping transform the nation’s renewable and abundant biomass resources into cost competitive, high performance biofuels, bioproducts, and biopower.
Environmental Benefits
Biofuels can provide a number of environmental advantages over conventional fossil fuels—most notably a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Since the transportation sector accounts for about a third of total U.S. emissions of carbon dioxide (an important GHG), cleaner transportation fuels can play an important role in addressing climate change.
The level of GHG emissions associated with a particular biofuel depends on the energy used in growing and harvesting the feedstock, as well as the energy used to produce the fuel (e.g., coal, natural gas, biomass). On a full fuel-cycle basis, corn ethanol has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 52% over petroleum-based fuels. Even better, ethanol made from cellulosic feedstocks, such as switchgrass, corn stover, or agricultural residues, has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 86%[i], compared to gasoline.
Biofuels have the added benefit of providing a “carbon sink.” As crops grow to produce the feedstocks for making the biofuel, they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Ethanol offers additional environmental advantages over fossil fuels. It naturally biodegrades in soil and water without leaving harmful residues in the environment. As an oxygenate in gasoline, ethanol can replace MTBE, which has been found to be carcinogenic in high concentrations. Ethanol provides the same oxygenate benefits as MTBE, but poses little or no risk to drinking and groundwater supplies.
Reduced Fossil Fuel Inputs
Production of ethanol fuel requires less fossil energy than its petroleum-based counterpart. For example, ethanol produced from corn requires only 65% of the fossil energy required to deliver a gallon of liquid transportation fuel, on an energy equivalent basis, compared to gasoline. These fossil energy savings are increasing with improved agronomic practices, increased crop yields, improved nitrogen/water utilization, and improved conversion technology.
The figures for ethanol produced from cellulosic feedstocks - or non-starch, non-food based biomass feedstocks – are even more impressive. Cellulosic ethanol requires only 10% of the fossil energy required to deliver a gallon of liquid transportation fuel on an energy equivalent basis compared to gasoline.
Click for more knowledge on Energy From Biomass
Some more on Advantages
Advantages and Disadvantages of Biomass Energy