The usage of hydrogen is undeniably able to help the environment to become greener and healthier. In contrast to most fuels, hydrogen burns to produce water rather than the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2). Therefore, because hydrogen only emits water when it is burned, it has a lot of potential as an eco-friendly replacement for fossil fuels. Doren has always encouraged the usage of hydrogen because we are also focusing and aim to have a healthier environment. However, are other types of energy such as biomass safe for the environment? Let’s explore it!
Biomass energy is produced using a variety of feedstocks, including landfill gases, garbage, and plants like perennial grasses and trees. The main advantage of biomass is that it cannot be exhausted like fossil fuels. Biomass could serve as a major source of renewable energy that can be used as a long-term substitute for fossil fuels due to the abundance of plants on Earth.
Other than that, it is possible to significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions by using biomass energy. Biomass is a clean, renewable energy source. It is the reason biomass is able to cut the gas emissions. Since the growth of biomass such as plants or trees removes greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores them in the soil, trees, and other vegetation, biomass can be viewed as a renewable source of energy and electricity.
Biomass fuels only emit as much carbon into the atmosphere during photosynthesis as was taken up by plants over the length of their life cycle. It is why biomass-energy is carbon neutral. In addition, biomass also helps to reduce waste. By supplying waste to biomass energy facilities instead of landfills, waste can be diverted, reducing the size of landfills and lowering dangers while also making use of resources that would otherwise be left unused.
However, it is better if biomass is grown on previously cleared land, like unused farmland. This is because previous studies have shown that cutting forests for biomass causes a carbon penalty that takes decades to recover from.
The space requirements for biomass sources is big. The locations where a plant can be installed are limited by the amount of space needed for biomass energy plants. In order to reduce shipping and storage expenses, businesses frequently need to locate these plants close to their biomass supply.
The process of biomass-energy can simply lead to deforestation. Biomass refers to any kind of organic matter that is used to create energy. Since wood is one of the most commonly used biomass energy sources, enormous quantities of wood and other waste materials must be burned in order to provide the required quantity of power. Although there is currently adequate wood debris, there is a chance of future deforestation.
To conclude the topic, there is no energy source that is perfect, including biomass. Every energy source has its own strengths and also shortcomings of using it. It is important to take into consideration the environmental and health consequences of different energy sources.
