Biomass

Biomass is the total mass of organisms in a given area or volume.

Organic matter used as a fuel, esp. in a power station for the

generation of electricity.

3 main types of biomass can be distinguished:

Solid biomass - the use of trees, crop residues, animal and human waste
(although not strictly a solid biomass source, it is often included in this
category for the sake of convenience), household or industrial residues for
direct combustion to provide heat. It also includes food to nourish humans
and animals. Finally bagasse (sugarcane residue remaining after the sugar is
extracted) is another example of solid biomass, it is used in making liquor.
Often the solid biomass will undergo physical processing such as cutting,
chipping, briquetting, etc. but retains its solid form.

Liquid biomass - are obtained by subjecting organic materials to one of

various chemical or physical processes to produce a usable, combustible,
liquid fuel. Examples of liquid biomass are i.e. vegetable oils, ethanol,

Gaseous biomass - biogas is obtained by anaerobically (in an air free

environment) digesting organic material. Methane, which is another
combustible gas known, can be extracted from this gas. Animal waste and
municipal waste are two common feedstocks for anaerobic digestion.