When it comes to options for renewable energy in Texas, biomass is one of the most traditional choices. Biomass—which is simply plant or animal matter—has been used as an energy source since the earliest humans discovered how to burn wood. Today, biomass is still an energy resource with much to offer.
A renewable energy source with distinctive properties
There are several features of biomass resources that make them distinct from other renewable energy options. For one thing, users of biomass energy do not have to worry about intermittence, as they do with wind and solar energy. The energy in biomass is chemical, so you don’t have to wait for the wind to blow or the sun to shine. Another disti=nct property is that heavy competition already exists in the biomass industry. In fact, Texas’ role as a leading agricultural state means that it is one of the country’s major biomass producers.
Raw biomass comes in many different forms, from wood to animal manure to waste paper. Ancient biomass is even the source for modern fossil fuels. In Texas, waste from the foresting industry is an important form of biomass, and several mills in the state use residues like bark and wood chips to generate their own electricity. Sometimes mills will even sell their excess electricity back to the grid.
When biomass waste is used as an energy source, landfills also benefit, since this waste would otherwise be taking up precious space. It’s obvious that there are many positive results that can come from using biomass as an energy source. However, there are also some other aspects to consider.
Important issues facing biomass users
One of the things to consider when it comes to biomass resources is that many materials which can be burned for fuel can also be used for other applications. According to the InfinitePower.org website (a service of the Texas State Energy Conservation Office), it is unlikely that many biomass resources will be grown solely for fuel—instead, they are likely to still have “at least some valued dual use or co-product.”
Solid biomass can be burned directly to produce energy. However, there have also been advances in the area of biofuels, which are fuels derived from biomass that can be used in specialized engines or other devices. Biofuels include substances like bioethanol, biodiesel, and even vegetable oil in some cases. While biofuels currently provide only a small percentage of the world’s transport fuels, the International Energy Agency claims that biofuels have the potential to meet over 25% of transport fuel demand by 2050.
Stay informed about your renewable energy options
The Infinite Power website serves as a good introduction to different renewable energy options in the state of Texas. You can also see our previous posts on wind energy and solar energy.
