Sustainable biomass

Question 1

What is biomass?

Answer 1

Biodegradable fraction of products waste and residues from biological origin or recently living organisms.

Question 2

What is lignocellulose?

Answer 2

Lignocellulosic biomass is a plant or plant-based material that is not used for food or feed and mainly includes agricultural residues, energy crops, forestry residues, and yard trimmings. It is the most abundant renewable feedstock and is considerably cheaper than crude oil.

Question 3

From what feedstock can ethanol be made?

Answer 3

Corn, wheat, sugar beet or sugar cane

Ethanol (CH3CH2OH) is a renewable fuel that can be made from various plant materials, collectively known as “biomass.” Ethanol is an alcohol used as a blending agent with gasoline to increase octane and cut down carbon monoxide and other smog-causing emissions.

Question 4

What does SWE stands for?

Answer 4

Solid wood equivalent is defined as the content of solid wood fibre contained in a given quantity of wood products.

Question 5

What are advantages of biomass as renewable fuel?

Answer 5

1. CO2 neutral (not always)
2. Flexible/dispatchable
3. High energy density
4. High availability
5. Small to large power
6. Proven technology
7. Can replace coal in existing power plants
8. CHP => high efficiency

Question 6

What are some challenges on biomass?

Answer 6

1. Biomass is renewable => which doesn’t mean it is always renewed, CO2-neutral or sustainable
2. Other pollutants are emitted: NOx, PM
3. Bioenergy can be in competition wit other uses (food, products,)