HOW BIOMASS ENERGY WORKS
Biomass is any organic matter like trees, plants, or animal waste that can be used as an energy source. Energy comes from the sun through a process called photosynthesis, and is released when biomass is burned or decomposes.
PLANT WASTE
Leftover wood and crop waste from factories and farms can be burned to produce electricity.
Wood scraps, sawdust and crop waste are collected from farms or manufacturing plants
The waste is burned to heat water and create steam
Steam is sent to a turbine, which spins to power a generator
Generator creates electricity and sends to transmission lines
FUN BIOMASS FACTS
- The word "biomass" means natural material.
- If you've ever been near a campfire or a fireplace, you've witnessed biomass energy through the burning of wood.
- Biomass has been around since the beginning of time when man burned wood for heating and cooking.
- Biomass is a renewable energy source because trees and crops can always be grown.
- Wood was the biggest energy provider in the world in the 1800's.
- Biomass produces about 4% of the energy used in the United States.
resource: http://www.greenmountain.com/resources/enviro-kids/renewable-energy-101/solar-energy
