Biomass Basics
What is biomass energy made from?
Organic materials like wood, crop waste, and animal manure.
What is the main component of natural gas?
Methane.
How does burning biomass generate electricity?
It heats water to create steam, which spins a turbine to generate power.
What is one major advantage of biomass energy?
It is renewable and can reduce waste.
Carbon dioxide (CO2).
What is the main process used to convert biomass into usable energy?
Combustion.
How is natural gas typically extracted from the Earth?
Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) or drilling.
What technology is used to extract shale gas deposits?
Fracking.
What is a disadvantage of burning biomass for energy?
It releases CO2 and can contribute to deforestation.
What is a major drawback of biomass plantations?
They require large amounts of land and water.
What is are the costs involved in biomass?
Biomass power plants cost $2,000 - $4,000 per kilowatt (kW) to build. The cost of electricity for biomass ranges from $0.06 - $0.15 per kilowatt hour (kWh).
What are the costs involved with natural gas?
A natural gas power plants cost $900 - $1,500 per kilowatt (kW) to build. The cost of electricity for natural gas is around $0.04 - $0.07 per kilowatt hour (kWh).
How does natural gas generate electricity.
Natural gas is burned to produce heat, which spins a turbine connected to a generator, creating electricity.
What is one reason why natural gas is considered better than coal?
It burns cleaner and emits less CO2.
How can biomass energy contribute to air pollution?
Which country is the largest producer of biomass?
The United States.
How many years of natural gas supply are estimated to be left?
An estimated 50-60 years of natural gas left at current consumption rates.
Through pipelines or as LNG via ships.
In debates about energy, what “bridge” fuel is criticized for contributing to climate change through methane leaks?
Natural gas.
What 2015 disaster in California involved a major gas leak?
The Aliso Canyon gas leak.
What is the name of the process that converts biomass into methane-rich gas?
Anaerobic digestion.
What is the term for the burning of excess natural gas at oil drilling sites?
Flaring.
What is co-firing in biomass energy production?
Burning biomass alongside coal in power plants to reduce emissions.
What is are major disadvantages of natural gas?
Greenhouse gas emissions, methane leaks, and environmental risks like earthquakes.
What were the effects of the California gas leak?
After 100,000 tons of methane leaked, thousands of people reported health issues. This also contributed to significant climate change. Eventually the leak was sealed and $1.8 billion in settlements was paid out.