In earlier years biomass energy was discovered and is now being used as an alternative source of fuel. Biomass is made up mainly of wood, crops, plant waste, and animal matter and is burned for energy or allowed to decay and produce methane gas. This energy that is obtained from materials is used as fuels such as ethanol, ordinary gasoline, and diesel. None the less there are many things that biomass affects in good and bad ways that may change the way we use energy today. There are many views on biomass including: Health, Environmental, Political, Technical, economic and Social equity which are all affected in certain ways.
There is an elimination of air toxins, reduction of fatalities, reduced exposure to hazardous materials for extraction workers, reduction of electrical and industrial pollutions, efficient vehicle usage, and many other things in the usage of biomass energy. All these combined can help the health of Americans. The usage of biomass energy in Oklahoma will be beneficial for Oklahomans.
The elimination of air toxins can improve the health of Oklahomans. According to Eric J. Leech, biomass energy reduces pollution linked by lung cancer and asthma allergies. Now that I know that lung cancer can be a cause of not using biomass energy, I support the usage of biofuel because I don’t me, or anyone, else to get cancer from something that could so easily be avoided. Asthma allergies could also be easily prevented for those who asthma. With biofuel becoming big in America, we can keep those who have health problems protected. The elimination of the air toxins also reduce the air particles linked to cardiac dangers (Leech). Just by utilizing biofuels, more and more people are willing to do outdoor exercises (Leech). With more people wanting to do outdoor exercises, people are getting the oxygen he or she needs. He or she is also having that oxygen circulated to his or heart throughout his or her body. I would definitely be outside doing more outdoor exercises knowing that I can breathe in fresh air and not be in cardiac danger.
There is also a reduction in fatalities in those who work in extraction of coal and oil sites (ScienceDaily). I am glad that many of the workers can be safe while working. Even though they may get paid quite a bit, they can go home safe and not have to work hard and get themselves killed. Without mining coal and oil, there is less of a chance that toxins will be released into the air (Leech). With this result, I know that I can walk out my door and not be exposed to hazardous materials such as sulfur emissions and other poisonous pollutions caused by mining. The workers also get less exposed to hazardous particles, gases, and radiation (ScienceDaily). With these workers being less exposed to these hazardous materials, they wouldn’t have to worry about getting tests done, medications, and/or hospital bills. The men’s wives would know that their husbands will come home safely and that they will not in danger at work.
Industrial and electrical pollutions can be reduced by using biomass energy (Leech). The less pollution there is, the happier I think Oklahomans will be. Oklahomans wouldn’t have to worry about pollutions from industries or electrical plants causing damage to their health or environment. With the reduction of these kinds of pollutions, there is a less chance of acid rain and smog. Oklahomans would be able to drive around and not have to care about what kinds of toxins they are wasting from their vehicles. They wouldn’t have to worry about how it affects their health because biofuels are there to make the world a safe place and create safety for everyone’s health.
With the help of biomass energy, Oklahomans will benefit with a healthier lifestyle. We can walk out of our house and enjoy what’s around us freely. We can take a breath of fresh air and know that it is clean.
When it comes to biomass energy and the environment there are many aspects that can be mentioned. The ones mostly talked about are the negative affects such as being harmful to the habitat and its organisms and causing inflation but the better affects are that there have been solutions to global problems.
For example, when biomass is produced from our daily harvest of corn it creates a problem for organisms, water and the habitat itself. In an article from a Christian Science Monitor it is mentioned that “Pushing corn production into drier regions could drain aquifers and compete with other needs for water such as hydropower and fish habitat” (“Halt the Gold Rush to Corn Fuel”). From this statement we can infer that using corn has become a problem and could harm the quality of our water source, and could possibly even cause land used form cropping to become unfertile. Also in a news broadcast, there was a major point said that “Demand for liquid fuels could lead to deforestation, researchers warn, which would release far more carbon into the atmosphere than that saved by switching to the greener fuels” (Ehrenberg). So if we keep using corn in particular as our main source of biomass fuel it could lead to the destruction of many habitats. The reason we would have to destroy these forests is because we don’t have enough agricultural land to be used just for fuel crops. So even though biomass was made to help our world it has caused so much damage.
In addition, biomass energy has caused an inflation in food prices that has devastated many. Now that corn is being used as fuel we pay more for it as food and livestock. As soon as we know it, corn will become rare to find at a cheap price and may become to the point where no one will be able to find corn because we can’t produce any more. In an article written solely based on biomass energy and its effects on people, the author raises a good question and shares with us that “Prices are already up, and American farmers are planting the biggest corn crop since 1944, with an estimated harvest of 13.3 billion bushels, which would be a record. While this may be enough to supply both food and fuel needs now, what will happen as more acreage is turned to ethanol production?”(“Halt the Gold Rush To Corn Fuel”). We have already felt the mass change in price, but imagine what is to come if we stick to using corn to fuel our cars instead of our bodies.
On the other hand, biomass energy has led to many other discovers that has helped make up for the possible damage that it has caused. Now that scientists have studied the structure of biomass energy they have begun making a second and third generation that is even better the first made. The second generation fuel is made of cellulosic biomass which can be successfully harvested in huge amounts. In an article from an issue of The Scientific American it is sated that “The U.S. can produce at least 1.3 billion dry tons of cellulosic biomass every year without decreasing the amount of biomass available for our food, animal feed or exports”(Huber ). This Cellulosic biomass can be the solution for or inflation in food prices and can also give us more gasoline in a year that is consumed in the U.S. There has also been a discovery of biomass plants that can be used just for fuel and don’t have to be consumed in any other way. Some plants in particular are sugarcane, sorghum, and ocean kelp. It is found in an article on other fuel sources that “alternatives grow in soil and weather conditions unsuitable for corn… [and that] studies show that both sugarcane and cellulosic ethanol return several units of energy for every unit used to produce them” (“Halt the Gold Rush to Corn Fuel”). This discover means that we would no long need to deforest land to make crops because we could use other parts of land. It also means that we would be producing twice as much energy than we are now. In a news view it is said that “diversification of feedstock and technologies including production of second-generation fuels such as cellulosic ethanol and third-generation fuels like algae biodiesel would provide a more stable basis for large-scale biofuel production” (USATodayMagazine).In using these second and third-generation fuels we can prevent putting so much pollution in the area that is caused by regular gasoline and the burning of forests to make room for fuel crops. All these new discovers couldn’t have been found with out the use and studies of biomass energy. So just because biomass seems like it doesn’t do any good, there are still some advantages to using green fuels.
Biomass energy, a type of renewable energy, is derived from alcohol fuels, waste, and wood. Simply stated, “Biomass energy or bioenergy is the energy from organic matter. It has been used for thousands of years, ever since people started burning wood to cook food or to keep warm” (Chapter 1: Introduction). It is quite efficient and has a long history of use, containing health, environmental, technical, social equity, economic, and political aspects. Furthermore, biomass resources are extremely important and efficient renewable resources that are becoming more and more popular throughout the world while being advocated and applied by multiple sources across the globe.
To begin with, multiple countries including the United States have recently begun to use and apply biomass energy throughout their domain. Going back to the 1980s in the United States, “very little power was generated from biomass” (Chapter 7). However, “during the next decade biopower escaladed to its peak of 86,362 GWh in 1990. It fell during the 1990s to 71, 713 GWh in 2000 and has remained static since then, with production of 71, 743 GWh in 2004” (Chapter 7). This fluctuation isn’t necessarily best for the advancement of biomass resources, but biomass is more important than given credit for. In fact, “4.7% [of] the total primary energy supply of the USA consisted of renewables in 2007… 68.7% [of which] was made up of biomass and waste” (Chapter 7). While 4.7% might not sound like that much contributed, it is a substantial number when the big picture is taken into account. To re-emphasize the impact of biomass fuels in the United States, note that “more than 500 facilities around the country are currently using wood or wood waste to generate electricity” and that “the United States is the largest biomass electricity generator in the world” (Chapter 7).
Similarly, multiple European countries are also beginning their quests in conquering the biomass market. With a slight lead on the United States, “8.5% [of] the total energy supply in the European countries consisted of renewables in 2007… 62.0% of all renewable energy [being] biomass and waste” (Chapter 7). While the United States had a larger percentile of renewable resources consisting of biomass, there is still a significant difference in the overall percentages of renewable resources as compared with the grand total. Unfortunately, not all of the European countries are equally together in their biomass industries: “Development of the biomass energy industry is far from being homogenous in the European countries… Many are only just beginning to exploit their potential while others, like Finland and Sweden have already developed a high-tech industry, largely based on the forestry industry” (Chapter 7). However, even though some countries are lacking, others are picking up the slack. In fact, “France, Germany, Italy, Austria and Belgium together produced 3.2 billion litres of biodiesel in 2005” (Chapter 7).
In addition to the biomass industry beginning its rise to power in these countries, there are many advocates for this energy source, including US President Barack Obama. In a speech at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, President Obama pleaded for “the best use of resources we have in abundance, through clean coal technology, safe nuclear power, sustainably grown biofuels and energy we harness from wind, waves and suns” (Cooper). President Obama also notes that his legislation “provides the largest single boost in scientific research in history” (Cooper). Unfortunately, there is some opposition to this proposed legislation throughout the states: “Legislation addressing energy use and the related problem of climate change from fossil-fuel emissions faces significant challenges in Congress, where some Democrats, too, remain worried about lost jobs and rising energy costs in the parts of the country most heavily dependent on coal and manufacturing” (Cooper).
Furthermore, biomass is currently in use in many plants across the US while speculations are forming around biomass becoming a major airliner fuel provider. To begin with, power plants in Washington, North Carolina, and Arizona have all begun to burn wood to produce power (Traci). Traci also notes that “in 2008, wood-burning power plants were capable of generating roughly 6,700 megawatts, or enough to provide power to about 6 million homes, according to the Energy Department” (Traci). She further says that “across the USA, power plants are turning to wood to make electricity. The move is spurred by state mandates to encourage renewable power and by bills moving through Congress that would require more renewable electricity” (Traci). On another hand, the European planemaker Airbus has claimed that “biofuels will provide up to a third of all commercial jet fuel by 2030” (Biomass). In the same column from Professional Engineering, it is also noted that “the company [Airbus] is involved with several research and demonstration projects looking into biofuels, most notably with Honeywell, International Aero Engines and Jetblue Airways, studying the potential of algae-derived fuel” (Biomass). Here is a prime example of the potential that biomass resources have: if “algae-derived fuel” can provide a third of all airliner fuel by 2030, then there is really no limitation to what other biofuels could do, including wood and waste.
Over all, biomass resources are a long-lived source of energy, currently making a breakthrough throughout the world. To re-emphasize, an article in USA Today notes that, “one of the world’s oldest energy sources [biomass] is making a comeback” (Traci); and, according to the ABS Energy Research, “biomass [at 10.2%, had] a higher share than nuclear with 6.6% or hydro with 2.2% [in 2008]” (Chapter 2). To sum it up, Biomass resources have more potential than given credit for. They are renewable sources that are easily accessible and wellabound; and they are clearly capable of becoming one of the future’s most prized resources, not just in the United States, but also across the globe.
America has the potential to create large quantities of corn ethanol. However this is not enough to provide for all the transportation needs of the United States, let alone replace all the other applications of petroleum, such as makeup or shoes. The technologies used to harvest and utilize first- and second-generation biomass energy have been developing rapidly within the last ten years, and through further processes like capillary action, which has a potential money savings of nearly four hundred and fifty-percent over traditional methods, the third-generation of biomass will be affordable and efficient and make up the large deficit between the needed amounts of ethanol and what we can currently produce.
Amber Sasse states in her article Biofuels, concerning the costs of current energy extraction costs pertaining to algae as biofuels,
“A $272.6-million plant is awaiting authorization to generate electricity by burning biodiesel fuel made from canal algae. To get the fuel for the plant, algae harvested from the canal will be cultivated in 26-foot plastic bioreactors (and fertilized with carbon dioxide from the plant itself, dried, expeller pressed to squeeze oil-like lipids from the dried biomass, and turned into biodiesel through the addition of lye.” (5-10)While expensive in start-up costs and production, this process is effective in proving the viability of biofuels.
Amber Sasse states in her article Biofuels, about methods that would make algal energy less expensive,
“While centrifuges account for 34 percent of the total investment costs, there is now a cheaper way to separate the algae from the water they grow in. In March, Algae Venture Systems in Ohio announced a new method to "dewater" algae using capillary action: A super absorbent polymer pulls water molecules through a membrane and leaves the algae dry. The company claims that the process reduces biofuel production costs from $875 per ton to just $1.92.”(22-34)
By using capillary action the investment can be reduced by 34 percent in favor of a much smaller percentage, bringing down the factory installment costs down by about 94 million dollars, making the factory much more cost effective. This is an example of advanced generation biomass energy development technology. This report proves that not only can the biomass be made cheaply but it also reinforces the position that it is already within our reach as a viable technology.
Another aspect on biomass is the economic affect. Using biofuel has many benefits and has helped the community in more ways than any other ordinary fuel has. One thing it has given to the community is well paid jobs. Many researchers have found that “[have made a major] impact on local and regional economies by generating well- paying jobs in the construction and operation of the plant, as well as the collection and transportation of biomass material” (Biomass101). Biomass has helped people by giving them jobs which could prevent people from becoming homeless and help more job opportunities become available for those who need it the most. Not only does it help the community with job availability, it helps bring the community together in making the environment better and cleaner for its inhabitants.
In addition to biomass aspects is social equity. One major impact that is caused by biofuels is more jobs which was mentioned before but takes on a different view. Now that there is increased employment there are more people having jobs and getting paid the same wages. “Increased income may reduce income disparity between the rich and poor in rural area and also between rural and urban areas” (BiomassUtilization). Another good outcome is that since people have money they are healthier. Not only that but “Introduction of biopower, biogas and other clean fuels will drastically reduce health problems [such as hazards among women and children in poor areas” (BiomassUtilization). T impact on local and regional economies by generating well- paying jobs in the construction and operation of the plant, as well as the collection and transportation of biomass material” (Biomass101). Biomass has helped people by giving them jobs which could prevent people from becoming homeless and help more job opportunities become available for those who need it the most. Not only does it help the community with job availability, it helps bring the community together in making the environment better and cleaner for its inhabitants.
In addition to biomass aspects is social equity. One major impact that is caused by biofuels is more jobs which was mentioned before but takes on a different view. Now that there is increased employment there are more people having jobs and getting paid the same wages. “Increased income may reduce income disparity between the rich and poor in rural area and also between rural and urban areas” (BiomassUtilization). Another good outcome is that since people have money they are healthier. Not only that but “Introduction of biopower, biogas and other clean fuels will drastically reduce health problems [such as hazards among women and children in poor areas” (BiomassUtilization). This statement means that life expectancy will increase as many people begin to use the improved biomass energy. Even though biomass energy has advantages it also has some disadvantages such as biofuel shortage. “In the US, bakeries are fretting over higher shortening cost…brand new factories built to convert vegetable oil into diesel for trucks sit idle as their owners are unable to afford the raw material”(BiomassUtilization). People are now going to have problems with buying food because we are using it to fuel up our trucks. So now it is a constant battle between fuel and food and it can be “estimated that grain required to fill the tank of a sports utility vehicle once could feed one person for a year.” Thus, biomass is slowly bringing the higher and lower classes together because its affects seem to counter act each other.
In conclusion, biomass has many positive impacts and negative impacts that affect the world daily. Some may be more drastic than other but each aspect is important a controls our community and determines how we live. Sometimes the change is unseen, but it is there and it going to be there in the future.