What is biomass?
Biomass describes organic material of recent origin that can be used as a source of energy. It generally includes trees, crops and other plants, as well as agricultural and forest residues. Simply stated, biomass is “stored solar energy”. For example, a tree, through photosynthesis, transforms sunlight and nutrients into fiber that can be later converted to energy. Biomass is nature’s battery. In the case of our power projects, the biomass we are using will solely be comprised of sustainably harvested whole tree chips and similar unadulterated wood residue.
What is biomass power?
Electricity that is produced as a result of converting trees, plants or other biomass sources into energy is considered biomass power. Most biomass power plants use direct-fired systems. They combust biomass directly in a high efficiency boiler to produce steam. This steam drives a turbine, which turns a generator, that in turn converts the power into electricity. In some biomass applications, after the steam is used to make electricity there is still enough remaining energy available to supply heat for manufacturing purposes or building heat. Such combined heat and power systems greatly increase overall energy efficiency, in some cases putting close to two-thirds of the energy released from the biomass fuel to a beneficial purpose. Laidlaw Energy’s Ellicottville, New York project is designed to operate in this manner. We will combust whole tree chips and other similar wood residue in a state-of-the-art wood boiler to generate steam to power a steam turbine and excess heat to custom kiln dry hardwood lumber. This highly efficient process will yield a rate of efficiency that is roughly double that of a typical utility coal power plant - and that’s good news for the environment.
Why do we need biomass power?
According to the US Department of Energy, in 2002, fossil fuels, which are finite and nonrenewable, supplied 86% of the energy consumed in the United States. Even more alarming is that the United States imports over half (62%) of its petroleum and its dependence is increasing. Since the U.S economy is so closely tied with petroleum products and oil imports, small changes in oil prices or disruptions in oil supplies can have an enormous impact on our economy - from trade deficits, to industrial investment, to employment levels. As a domestic, renewable energy source, biomass offers an alternative to conventional energy sources and provides national energy security, economic growth, and environmental benefits. Most importantly, biomass power is the only renewable fuel that can be directly substituted for petroleum based fuels, which account for one-third of CO2 emissions that contribute to the creation of greenhouse gases that effect climate change. Imported oil also accounts for one-third of the US trade deficit, with much of that going to countries we would never choose to voluntarily subsidize. Indeed, it is estimated that In New York State alone, we export close to $2,000 for every man, woman and child to pay for imported energy.
Is biomass power new or experimental technology?
Not at all. Biomass power is the most widely used renewable energy source worldwide and is the fourth largest energy source after coal, oil and natural gas. It is estimated that there are 35,000 megawatts of installed biomass capacity worldwide, with approximately 7,000 megawatts in the United States alone.