If a biomass plant has been constructed, then it has the potential to generate electricity for an entire region. As with any other power plant, electricity is generated by the creation of energy that will rotate a turbine. When the turbine turns, then electricity is created and then sent along the distribution network.
Biomass generates electricity by burning organic matter. The energy created through the consumption process is able to rotate the turbine in the power plant because it creates steam. This allows it to produce the electricity that is needed because the turbine is connected to a generator.
Some organic products may be able to be gasified instead of combusted in order to generate biomass-based electricity.
Once the steam rotates the turbine, it will run through a condenser that will either send the water back to heat more biomass or into a source of water next to the facility, such as a pond, lake, or bay. Any excess steam will then go to a smokestack.
Why Choose Biomass to Generate Electricity?
Biomass is a positive method of generating electricity for three specific reasons.
1. It can be installed in current coal-fired plants.
The process of burning biomass is virtually the same as burning coal. This means a cost-effective retrofit can be installed in many facilities to immediately reduce the amount of emissions that are produced.
2. Sustainable growing can create a carbon neutral result.
Although burning or gasifying biomass creates emissions, sustainable growing practices can offset the emissions produced so that there is the potential of a carbon neutral outcome.
3. It uses organic waste products we produce every day.
Some landfills have 80% of their waste identified as organic in nature. Biomass can consume this waste, produce electricity from it, and reduce the burden that landfills must carry.
Interesting Facts About Biomass
In the United States, about 7,500 megawatts of electricity is generated from biomass. This is enough power for several million households, despite the fact that it is just 4% of the total energy consumption that occurs in the US.
As technologies improve, biomass will become an even more viable solution of renewable energy resources. It has the potential to immediately cut emissions and overs the long-term possibility of carbon neutral power. This is why generating electricity through biomass should always be a top priority.
Crystal Lombardo is a contributing editor for Vision Launch. Crystal is a seasoned writer and researcher with over 10 years of experience. She has been an editor of three popular blogs that each have had over 500,000 monthly readers.
