Solid Biomass
The biomass describes the huge amount of biological material that consists of the living plants, animals and insects; as well as the remains of dead plants, animals and insects. The biomass contains organic molecules with other chemicals such as carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen.
The biomass is a renewable energy source based on the carbon cycle. The energy within the biomass derives from the sun; solar energy is picked up by the plant material in the process known as photosynthesis.
Much of the biomass material can be used as biofuels. The energy it contains is burnt to generate heat for cooking or warmth. The large scale farming of plants from which ethanol and vegetable oils are extracted to create agrofuels is a specific use of biomass material.
A source of biomass material is municipal solid waste (MSW). This is the household non-recyclable waste collected by the local councils in the UK.
Arable Biomass Renewable Energy Power Station, Eggborough, North Yorkshire UK
The power station burns grown on farmland across the north of England to generate gas to drive the turbines.
The station cost £28 million and produces 10 Megawatts of electricity which meets the needs of more than 33,500 people.