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Patent Index Filing trends reveal impact of the pandemic. Read more on the biofuel made from algae biomass here. Biomass is an important alternative source of energy because, while burning it does release carbon, the carbon is all recent and so is part of the current carbon cycle. This makes biomass effectively carbon neutral , meaning it doesn't add any carbon to the atmosphere that wasn't already there.
Burning fossil fuels releases stored carbon, which is millions of years old, adding it to the current carbon cycle, and increasing the total amount of atmospheric carbon. Biomass is commonly used as a fuel in underdeveloped countries for cooking and heat , but even in developed countries like Canada, biomass is used to create electricity. There is a distinct difference in the types of biomass used in different areas around the world.
More developed countries use biomass like virgin wood and energy crops for energy, especially for use as biofuels. Comparatively, developing countries use primarily agricultural residues e. The commercial sector also consumes, and in some cases, sells renewable natural gas produced at municipal sewage treatment facilities and at waste landfills.
The electric power sector uses wood and biomass-derived wastes to generate electricity for sale to the other sectors. Biomass explained. What is energy? Units and calculators. Use of energy. Energy and the environment. Also in What is energy? Forms of energy Sources of energy Laws of energy. Also in Units and calculators explained Units and calculators Energy conversion calculators British thermal units Btu Degree days.
Also in U. Also in Use of energy explained Use of energy Energy use in industry Energy use for transportation Energy use in homes Energy use in commercial buildings Energy efficiency and conservation.
Also in Energy and the environment explained Energy and the environment Greenhouse gases Greenhouse gases and the climate Where greenhouse gases come from Outlook for future emissions Recycling and energy.
Nonrenewable sources. Oil and petroleum products. Diesel fuel. Heating oil. Also in Oil and petroleum products explained Oil and petroleum products Refining crude oil Where our oil comes from Imports and exports Offshore oil and gas Use of oil Prices and outlook Oil and the environment. The use of biomass energy has the potential to greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Burning biomass releases about the same amount of carbon dioxide as burning fossil fuels. However, fossil fuels release carbon dioxide captured by photosynthesis millions of years ago—an essentially "new" greenhouse gas. Biomass, on the other hand, releases carbon dioxide that is largely balanced by the carbon dioxide captured in its own growth depending how much energy was used to grow, harvest, and process the fuel.
However, studies have found that clearing forests to grow biomass results in a carbon penalty that takes decades to recoup, so it is best if biomass is grown on previously cleared land, such as under-utilized farmland. The use of biomass can reduce dependence on foreign oil because biofuels are the only renewable liquid transportation fuels available.
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