Assignment 2

221140174 - ESTER SHILUME

ENERGY CONVERSION
21 April 2023
Questions

1. Biomass: This is any type of organic material (Plant or animal by-product) that can be used to
produce energy
Bioenergy: This is the energy made from biomass, which consists of recently living
organisms, mainly plants.
Difference between biomass and bioenergy
Biomass is originated from raw material to produce bioenergy, which means bioenergy is
from a renewable source, biomass.
Biomass can be converted into fuel to supply heat and electricity (biofuels), while bioenergy
is solely used for energy production.
2. Biomass is plant-based that uses fuel to produce heat or electricity. Biomass can be
converted into useful energy or into secondary energy carriers using conversion processes
such as combustion, based on heat.
During combustion, the provision of heat and electricity, biomass is fully oxidized basically
with oxygen from the surrounding environment.
The conversion of primary to secondary energy to secondary energy can be very inefficient
because of reasons like energy losses during the process, low energy density, variability of
biomass feedstock, inefficient conversion technologies and competition for biomass.
3. Pros:
Renewables
Waste reduction
Reliability
Employment
Carbon neutral

Cons:
High Costs
Space Requirement
Some adverse environmental impact
Competition for biomass
Emission
4. Namibia has a considerable potential for bioenergy production:
Opportunities:
• Strength Manufacturing: With Namibian’s low electrification charges, biomass
energy can offer a dependable and sustainable supply of strength for both rural and
urban communities
• Job Creation: The production of biomass offers employment opportunities,
particularly in rural areas wherein many people rely on agriculture and livestock
farming
• Climate Change mitigation: Biomass gas emissions therefore contributing to climate
change.
• Soil improvement: Addition of organic matter can improve soil quality and reduces
soil erosions

Challenges:

• Technology: Namibia lacks technology and infrastructure required in

development of biomass.
 • Competition for resources: There competition for biomass resources between
energy sector and agriculture sector; for livestock feed and soil improvement
• Sustainability: Biomass can lead to deforestation, soil degradation as erosion if it
is not well sustained.
• Economic Viability: In the early stage of developing biomass in Namibia, this can
affect the economy badly.

References:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/biomass-and-bioenergy

https://www.n-big.org/