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Energy Alternatives And Biomass Solutions

By Cathy Mercer


A concern that many people have had for decades is how to stop using as much fossil fuels as we use and create alternative renewable sources to get most of our energy. Many alternatives have been found and one of them is biomass solutions for energy issues. Several methods are used to change organic substances into usable fuel sources. The three methods that are used us biochemical, chemical and thermal based operations. The hope is that these solutions will not only provide an alternative to fossil fuels, but that they also do not create different types of pollution when used.

Biomass is simply the remains of living organisms after they have died and their waste material while alive. All organic life has oxygen, hydrogen and carbon in their cells. These elements can be separated from the cells in used in other applications. At last estimate there was about 146 billion pounds of organic material generated each year throughout the earth. Scientists want to tap into this material to address energy problems.

Three different processes are used to transform the organic material into a usable fuel. The transformation can be done through biochemical, chemical or thermal processes. These processes can change the materials into gases, liquids or other solids that can be used to power equipment, homes and vehicles.

A major additive to many types of gasoline has been ethanol. The ethanol can increase the octane level of the gasoline and prevent many make of car engines from making a knocking sound. Another positive aspect to ethanol is that is does not produce as much harmful pollutants to the air when the engine is running. The carbon based life forms used to create ethanol are primarily corn and sugar canes.

The research has lead scientists to rediscover diesel made from organic products. The original diesel engine developed was meant to operate using peanut oil as the fuel source. Now people are gathering the waste oils from restaurants to use to make biodiesel. This procedure also helps to address the old problem of what to do about the waste oils restaurant generated in food preparation. All the oils from the fryers and oven can be used to make diesel fuel.

Biogas is a methane gas that can be sued for various heating purposes. People use biogas for cooking and heating in many parts of the world. Biogas can also be used to power cars and trucks much like natural gas can be used. The primary material to make biogas comes from wastewater treatment facilities, manure from farm animals and other municipal wastes.

These new procedures actually go back to the beginning of time for humans on this planet. Cavemen were known to capture fire and bring it into a cave to start other pieces of wood on fire to keep warm and cook meals. The procedures were not as advanced, but the material was sometimes the same.

Research and experience has shown that there are many ways to create energy to use in the world. One material that keeps on getting produced in large amounts every year throughout the globe is organic materials. These materials can be used to achieve biomass solutions in finding alternative methods to produce energy that does not have a negative effect on the world.




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