Biomass can be used to generate electricity, and used as a feedstock for the production of bio-fuels. Cow and farm animal manures are being used to produce methane gas (natural gas), and wood pellets are being co-fired with coal in utility plants. Corn is used in the production of ethanol. Biomass can also be used to manufacture biodiesel, bio-jet fuel and other fuels, such as synthetic gas. Recently, genetically engineered switchgrass was found to be cheaper to process and yield more ethanol that the original variety that once covered millions of acres of the American plains.
Ethanol currently comprises 10% of auto fuels. Producers of biomass typically operate in, or use services in, various sectors including agriculture, forestry, mining, land management, energy and transport. Agriculture and forestry crops produce relatively reliable sources of biomass, and some biomass wastes or by-products can also be used for the production of energy. Companies that own large tracts of land for purposes of mining or energy production or transport may also produce biomass crops or generate biomass supplies as a by-product of their operations, including in the maintenance of lands.
Bio-fuels can play an important role in helping the world to reduce CO2 emissions, and reduce dependence on fossil fuel. Additionally, green business can be good for the economy by creating jobs and finding uses for under-utilized land, even turning farm waste into electricity. We at AtmosClear are looking forward to helping the world become a greener place.