Biomass Production

Biomass refers to living and recently dead biological material that can be used as a fuel source. Examples include switchgrass, hemp, wood wastes such yard clippings or bark, and even livestock manure.

Energy is released from biomass by burning it. Historically the heat released was used to boil water. The steam produced was used to turn turbines which generated electricity. Some biomass, such as wood wastes, can be burned directly. Others such as manure and garbage, however, release methane gas as they decompose. The methane gas must be captured first and then burned. Biomass can also be converted into biofuels which can then be burned in a variety of engines. In recent years newer technologies, such as plasma gasification, have emerged to take advantage of biomass energy.

Using biomass can help to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Plants store CO2 as they grow and release it when they are burned. So using biomass and replanting helps to close the carbon cycle and eliminate net CO2 emissions.

Companies that produce wood products and paper have taken advantage of biomass energy for decades. Wood wastes not needed for product manufacturing (along with other wastes created during the logging process) are chipped and burned to fire a boiler. The energy created is used to power the wood products plant and excess energy is transmitted to the surrounding community. HGA has been involved with numerous biomass power plants such as these.