Plant biomass as an energy efficient feedstock in the production of renewable energy

Salter, A.M., Holiday, L., Banks, C.J., Chessire, M. and Mulliner, R. (2005) Plant biomass as an energy efficient feedstock in the production of renewable energy. 14th European Biomass Conferenceand Exhibition: Biomass for Energy, Industry and Climate Protection, Paris, France. 17 - 21 Oct 2005.

Abstract

Biomass provides a source of renewable energy with reduced emissions of greenhouse gases, particularly CO2. During the previous ‘fuel crisis’ in the late 1970’s research was conducted into a wide range of bio-fuels including the production of methane in the form of biogas through anaerobic digestion. Current emphasis is on the production of liquid biofuels, particularly bio-ethanol and bio-diesel. Given the restriction in available land area for the production of crops which can be used for energy production it is vital to get the maximum energy output for each area of land. Anaerobic digestion can make use of most organic material to produce methane gas which can be used as a fuel source for heating, CHP and also as a vehicle fuel. The ability to use most organic materials means that plant material which gives the highest biomass yields can be used as a fuel source. This can be combined with the ability to use the digestate, produced as a by-product of the process, as a fertiliser leading to an energy efficient fuel production process.

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Contributors

Author: C.J. Banks

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