What is Biomass And How Does it Work

It is important to understand what biomass is and how it works to understand the possibilities of using this alternative energy. Biomass comes from the combustion of organic matter for the direct or indirect production of energy. It is one of the sustainable process alternatives since biomass is renewable.

Brazil is one of the main countries that has been investing in biomass energy. Like other energy matrices, it has advantages and disadvantages, which we will present in this post. Overall, it is a less aggressive alternative to the environment and offers a solution to deal with part of the country’s solid waste.

In this post, we invite you to understand what biomass is, how it works and how it is produced. Also, understand how the process is carried out in Brazil and the functions in the country. Finally, get to know Redda+ and its commitment to nature, seeking alternatives to encourage sustainable development and growth.

In this post you read about:

• What is biomass?
• How does biomass work?
• How is biomass produced?
• Is biomass renewable?
• How has Brazil been using biomass energy?
• Get to know Redda+

What is biomass?

Biomass is a set of waste of plant and animal origin that undergoes a combustion process. This process has the purpose of generating energy – heat, and electricity. Therefore, it is a renewable resource for energy production using organic matter.

The energy produced by biomass is known as bioenergy. There are also some very common biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel, in addition to bio-oil and biogas. These energy options are interesting because they are economical, and sustainable and do not emit large levels of polluting gases into the atmosphere.

There is a wide variety of waste from organic matter, for example, plant remains, wood and even food. There are still agricultural residues, excrement, and even garbage. Other sources of organic matter are:

• woody plants: a wide variety of species are used;
• non-woody plants: in this case, plant parts other than wood are grouped together, such as seeds, roots, bark and leaves;
• organic waste: organic waste elements of domestic and/or industrial origin fall into this group;
• biofluids: different vegetable oils can be used in this process.

In a way, it is an intelligent alternative to deal with the amount of waste generated in today’s world. But just like any other energy production, there are advantages and disadvantages.

How does biomass work?

Biomass works by converting this organic matter into heat. This biomass combustion process generates energy. To understand, in a practical and visual way, how biomass works, think about wood stoves. Burning firewood/wood generates heat (energy) for food preparation. You understood?!

In this way, in power plants, combustion takes place on a large scale and at high temperatures. The heating results in steam, which is transformed into energy and drives the turbines. There are two most common methods for generating energy from biomass:

• Pyrolysis and gasification. It is the thermochemical conversion of biomass elements. Superheating aids in the production of gases to be used as energy.
• Combustion. It is used a lot and is also transformed as a result of elevated temperatures. In this case, the water in the plants is superheated, and the steam is transformed into energy.

The other biomass transformation processes are:

• Physical processes: biomass densification, extraction and drying.
• Thermochemical processes: in addition to those exemplified above, there is carbonization.
• Biochemical processes: anaerobic digestion of residues, fermentation and transesterification.

How is biomass produced?

The production of energy through biomass is carried out from direct combustion or thermochemical conversion. The processes generate different products, such as those described below:

• Bio-oil. This process happens from pyrolysis, resulting in a black liquid. This liquid is bio-oil, used for heating and electricity generation.
• Biogas. The decomposition of organic materials generates carbon dioxide and methane. These gases are produced from the decomposition of manure, food, etc.
• Biomass-to-Liquids. The liquid obtained by this process is used in lubricants and fuels in diesel engines. The process goes through gasification.
• Cellulosic Ethanol. The enzymatic hydrolysis process will help in the formation of ethanol. Another process used to transform biomass into ethanol is gasification, fermentation and distillation.
• ‘Ordinary’ bioethanol. It is the most common process in Brazil, using the juice extracted from sugar cane. In the United States corn is used and in France beet.
• Biodiesel. It is produced by the chemical process called transesterification and uses vegetable oils such as soy, castor, and cotton, among others.
• Vegetable oil. Some diesel engines use this product, therefore Elsbett technology is required.
• Firewood. It is one of the oldest ways to use biomass.
• Charcoal. It goes through the process of pyrogenic firewood carbonization or hydrothermal carbonization. From this process, a black solid is obtained.
• Peat. It is an organic material found in swampy regions, semi-decomposed.

Is biomass renewable?

Biomass is a renewable natural resource, less aggressive to the environment, as it generates energy from organic matter. Another advantage of biomass is that it releases a low level of carbon dioxide (CO2), especially compared to fossil fuels. The advantages of biomass include helping with the disposal of waste, it tends to be more economical and reduces fossil fuels.

Despite so many advantages, like any resource that generates energy, there are some disadvantages. For example, the equipment for the process is expensive, the level of sulfur emitted is a concern, the difficulty in storage, among others.

How has Brazil been using biomass energy?

In Brazil, biomass production is a favorable alternative, since the country has large cultivable areas. Added to climate conditions and an industry that demands biofuel. No wonder, biomass is on the list of the main energy sources in Brazil.

China is considered the country that most invests in biomass, in this case, the main function is the generation of energy. Brazil is among the 10 countries with large investments in biomass. Green energy in Brazil is a reality that has been growing, the country produces 100 GW with wind, solar, and biomass plants.

To give you an idea, in the last seven years, Mato Grosso do Sul has increased by 365% the generation of green energy. The data are from Semagro (Secretary of Environment, Economic Development, Production and Family Agriculture). Bioelectricity in Mato Grosso do Sul is generated from sugarcane biomass.

Sugarcane is one of the main sources of energy production via biomass. There are many residues left over from the sugarcane milling process for the production of ethanol and sugar. Thus, sugarcane bagasse, husks, straw, etc., generate energy for the factory itself and also for other needs.

Find out how Redda+ and you can help preserve the Amazon

Redda+ is an organization concerned with the consequences of human actions in nature. And it positions itself in an attempt to encourage sustainable practices in the daily relationship between traditional peoples and the forest. To this end, it develops projects supported by REDD mechanisms and the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, integrating the real needs of communities.

In this way, Redda+ believes that it is possible to accompany the growth and development of communities and traditional peoples. However, in a more complete way, considering economic, social, cultural and environmental issues. And so, the forest and traditional peoples can live in harmony.

This relationship is important for those who are close to the forests and for those who are far away. So, the forest is more protected. Redda+ also takes care to introduce oxygen into the atmosphere, offsetting excessive carbon emissions. Click here to find out about Redda+’s projects and how you can be part of this movement.