ASTR 101- Solar System Astronomy- Module 6: Discussion #5 - Climate

Research one of the following non-fossil-fuel energy sources:

· solar

· wind

· geothermal

· nuclear

· hydroelectric power

· biomass

Include a link to one article that you found.

1. What are some advantages and disadvantages of this energy source?

2. Aside from reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, what other steps can we take to reduce the harmful effects from climate change?

Biomass.

The total mass of organisms in a given area or volume. Organic matter used as a fuel, mainly in a power station for the generation of electricity. Biomass is produces by plants through Photosynthesis, and can be burned directly for heat, or converted to renewable liquid and gaseous fuels.

According eia Sources of Biomass include;

Wood and processing waste (Ex. firewood, wood pellets, and wood chips, black liquor from pulp and paper mills),Agricultural Crops and waste materials (Corn, soybeans, sugarcane, switch grass, algae, and food processing residue)

Biogenic materials in municipal solid waste ( paper, cotton, and wool products. Food and yard)

There are many processes to convert biomass to energy, exampled include Burning to produce heat, thermochemical conversion to produce solid, gaseous, and liquid fuels. Chemical conversion and biological conversion to produce liquid and gas.

Advantages of Biomass is that is is and will always bee widely available, it is carbon neutral, less expensive than fossil fuels, and creates less garbage in landfills.

Disadvantages would be; Biomass is not as efficient as fossil fuels, it is not entirely clean, could lead to deforestation, the plants need a lot of space to grow.

(Links to an external site.)https://www.syn (Links to an external site.)techbioenergy.com/blog/biomass-advantages-disadvantages (Links to an external site.)

https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/biomass