BIOMASS AS AN BIOMASS AS AN ALTERNATIVE FUELALTERNATIVE FUEL

By: Justin LessnerBy: Justin Lessner

What is Biomass?What is Biomass?

Biomass is any Biomass is any organic matter.organic matter.

Including trees, Including trees, plants, plant fiber, plants, plant fiber, and animal wastes.and animal wastes.

Biomass is a Biomass is a renewable energy renewable energy sourcesource

What is Bioenergy?What is Bioenergy?

The energy stored in biomass is called The energy stored in biomass is called bioenergy.bioenergy.

Bioenergy is very versatile: It can be used to Bioenergy is very versatile: It can be used to provide heat, make fuels, and generate provide heat, make fuels, and generate electricity.electricity.

Many bioenergy sources are replenished Many bioenergy sources are replenished through the cultivation of fast growing grasses, through the cultivation of fast growing grasses, trees, and agricultural residues like vegetable trees, and agricultural residues like vegetable oils, wheat straw, or corn.oils, wheat straw, or corn.

How Much Biomass is Out How Much Biomass is Out There?There?

The United States has enough land and The United States has enough land and agricultural networks to sustainably agricultural networks to sustainably replace half of the nation’s gasoline use replace half of the nation’s gasoline use or all of its nuclear energy.or all of its nuclear energy.

Millions of tons of unused agricultural Millions of tons of unused agricultural waste, manure, and sawdust has the waste, manure, and sawdust has the potential to generate energy.potential to generate energy.

Bioenergy sources are common Bioenergy sources are common throughout the United states.throughout the United states.

Biomass SourcesBiomass Sources

Every year, the agricultural industry produces Every year, the agricultural industry produces millions of tons of waste that could be utilized millions of tons of waste that could be utilized for energy production.for energy production.

In addition, the forest products industry also In addition, the forest products industry also produces countless tons of waste that can be produces countless tons of waste that can be used as an energy source. used as an energy source.

Energy crops, such as willows and switchgrass Energy crops, such as willows and switchgrass can be grown for the specific purpose of can be grown for the specific purpose of energy production. energy production.

Biomass SourcesBiomass Sources

In the Midwest, farmers grow corn and In the Midwest, farmers grow corn and soybeans that can be used for ethanol soybeans that can be used for ethanol productionproduction

In the Southeast, hybrid willow trees have been In the Southeast, hybrid willow trees have been used as an energy crop.used as an energy crop.

In the Northwest and Northeast, the forest In the Northwest and Northeast, the forest products industry uses its wastes and residues products industry uses its wastes and residues to make electricity and heat for its own to make electricity and heat for its own operations. operations.

Environmental Environmental Benefits of BiomassBenefits of Biomass

No Net Increase In No Net Increase In Carbon DioxideCarbon Dioxide

The burning of fossil fuels releases The burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide captured by carbon dioxide captured by photosynthesis millions of years ago.photosynthesis millions of years ago.

In contrast, carbon dioxide released In contrast, carbon dioxide released through the consumption of biomass is through the consumption of biomass is balanced by carbon dioxide captured in balanced by carbon dioxide captured in the recent growth of biomassthe recent growth of biomass

This results in a far less net impact on This results in a far less net impact on greenhouse gas levels. greenhouse gas levels.

Environmental Benefits Environmental Benefits (cont.)(cont.)

Use of waste that would normally go to Use of waste that would normally go to landfills. An estimated 350 million tons of landfills. An estimated 350 million tons of waste that goes to landfills could be used for waste that goes to landfills could be used for energy productionenergy production

Encourages the preservation of agricultural Encourages the preservation of agricultural land that would otherwise be sold for land that would otherwise be sold for development. development.

Encourages sustainable agricultural Encourages sustainable agricultural techniques for bioenergy crops. techniques for bioenergy crops.

Economic Benefits of Economic Benefits of BiomassBiomass

Economic Benefits of Economic Benefits of Biomass Biomass $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Rural economic development and stability: US Rural economic development and stability: US spends $50 billion each year on importing oil. spends $50 billion each year on importing oil. Biomass could replace half of this.Biomass could replace half of this.

The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture estimates that The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture estimates that 17,000 jobs are generated in the U.S. for every 17,000 jobs are generated in the U.S. for every billion gallons of ethanol produced. billion gallons of ethanol produced.

Defending US access to foreign oil markets is Defending US access to foreign oil markets is very costly. Diversification of fuel sources very costly. Diversification of fuel sources would cut down on military spending and shift would cut down on military spending and shift the focus to domestic welfare. the focus to domestic welfare.

Biomass and The National Biomass and The National Energy PolicyEnergy Policy

A main goal of George W. Bush’s A main goal of George W. Bush’s National Energy Policy is to increase the National Energy Policy is to increase the domestic energy supplies of the U.S.domestic energy supplies of the U.S.

Biomass and biofuels can be produced Biomass and biofuels can be produced within the United States. within the United States.

As a result, the use of biomass directly As a result, the use of biomass directly supports the National Energy Policy by supports the National Energy Policy by reducing US dependence on foreign oil. reducing US dependence on foreign oil.

Dept. of Energy Biomass Dept. of Energy Biomass ProgramProgram

The Biomass Program operated by the The Biomass Program operated by the US Dept. of Energy develops technology US Dept. of Energy develops technology for conversion of biomass to valuable for conversion of biomass to valuable fuels, chemicals, materials, and power. fuels, chemicals, materials, and power.

One of the main purposes of the program One of the main purposes of the program is to reduce US dependence on foreign is to reduce US dependence on foreign oil and to reduce greenhouse emissions. oil and to reduce greenhouse emissions.

Biofuels For Biofuels For TransportationTransportation

BiofuelsBiofuels

Biomass is one of the few renewable Biomass is one of the few renewable sources for transportation fuelssources for transportation fuels

Biofuels produce fewer emissions than Biofuels produce fewer emissions than petroleum fuelspetroleum fuels

The two main types of biofuels are The two main types of biofuels are ethanol and biodieselethanol and biodiesel

EthanolEthanol

Also known as ethyl alcohol or grain alcohol.Also known as ethyl alcohol or grain alcohol. Ethanol is made from the starch in certain Ethanol is made from the starch in certain

grains, such as wheat, corn, or corn grains, such as wheat, corn, or corn byproducts.byproducts.

Ethanol production usually begins with the Ethanol production usually begins with the grinding up of biomass such as wheat or corn.grinding up of biomass such as wheat or corn.

Once ground up, the starch or cellulose is Once ground up, the starch or cellulose is converted into sugar.converted into sugar.

The sugar is then fed into microbes that use it The sugar is then fed into microbes that use it for food, producing ethanol in the process. for food, producing ethanol in the process.

Ethanol Production Ethanol Production FacilityFacility

Ethanol ProductionEthanol Production

The US ethanol industry produced more than The US ethanol industry produced more than 3.3 billion gallons of ethanol in 2004, up from 3.3 billion gallons of ethanol in 2004, up from 2.8 billion gallons in 2003.2.8 billion gallons in 2003.

As states continue to ban the use of MTBE As states continue to ban the use of MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) for use in (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) for use in gasoline, ethanol consumption will continue to gasoline, ethanol consumption will continue to rise. rise.

As a result, efforts to increase the supply are As a result, efforts to increase the supply are necessary to keep up with demand. necessary to keep up with demand.

New Ethanol New Ethanol TechnologiesTechnologies

Currently, research is being conducted for Currently, research is being conducted for making ethanol from the cellulose (fiber) making ethanol from the cellulose (fiber) component in biomass, like municipal solid component in biomass, like municipal solid wastes and agricultural residues.wastes and agricultural residues.

This type of ethanol is called bioethanol. This type of ethanol is called bioethanol. The use of bioethanol reduces the emission of The use of bioethanol reduces the emission of

carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons.

Ethanol UsesEthanol Uses

Each year, the US Each year, the US blends more than 1.5 blends more than 1.5 billion gallons of billion gallons of ethanol with gasoline ethanol with gasoline to improve vehicle to improve vehicle performance and performance and reduce air pollutionreduce air pollution

Ethanol Uses (Cont.)Ethanol Uses (Cont.)

Most gasoline blends contain about 10 Most gasoline blends contain about 10 percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline.percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline.

All vehicles are equipped to handle this All vehicles are equipped to handle this mixture.mixture.

Such a mixture reduces greenhouse Such a mixture reduces greenhouse gases by up to 4 percent.gases by up to 4 percent.

E85 FuelE85 Fuel

Fuel containing 85 percent gasoline and Fuel containing 85 percent gasoline and 15 percent ethanol can be used in 15 percent ethanol can be used in flexible fuel vehicles.flexible fuel vehicles.

The use of E85 fuel reduces the emission The use of E85 fuel reduces the emission of greenhouse gases by up to 37 of greenhouse gases by up to 37 percent. percent.

E85 is considered an alternative fuel E85 is considered an alternative fuel under the Energy Policy Act of 1992.under the Energy Policy Act of 1992.

E85 FuelE85 Fuel

Vehicles that run on E85 are called Vehicles that run on E85 are called Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFV).Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFV).

Many vehicle manufacturers offer FFVs.Many vehicle manufacturers offer FFVs. Ford, GM, Chrysler, and Mercedes all Ford, GM, Chrysler, and Mercedes all

offer FFVs.offer FFVs. Each year car makers produce more than Each year car makers produce more than

700,000 flexible fuel vehicles. 700,000 flexible fuel vehicles.

Examples of FFVsExamples of FFVs

Many popular SUV’s Many popular SUV’s and luxury vehicles and luxury vehicles can use E85 fuel with can use E85 fuel with little or no additional little or no additional cost.cost.

E85 BenefitsE85 Benefits E85 is easy to use and handle-E85 is easy to use and handle- Fueling Fueling

equipment for E85 is only slightly equipment for E85 is only slightly different then equipment used for different then equipment used for petroleum.petroleum.

Reduces Petroleum Consumption- Reduces Petroleum Consumption- Using E85 reduces dependence on Using E85 reduces dependence on foreign oil markets.foreign oil markets.

Environmental Benefits-Environmental Benefits- E85 reduces E85 reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 37 greenhouse gas emissions by 37 percent.percent.

FFVs are available and affordable.FFVs are available and affordable.

Various interest groups throughout the Various interest groups throughout the state and country are actively involved state and country are actively involved in promoting the benefits of ethanolin promoting the benefits of ethanol

BiodieselBiodiesel

Biodiesel is a Biodiesel is a domestically domestically produced renewable produced renewable fuel that can be fuel that can be made from vegetable made from vegetable oils, animal fats or oils, animal fats or recycled restaurant recycled restaurant greases. greases.

History of BiodieselHistory of Biodiesel

Dr. Rudolf Diesel actually invented the diesel engine Dr. Rudolf Diesel actually invented the diesel engine to run on a myriad of fuels including vegetable oil.to run on a myriad of fuels including vegetable oil.

In 1911, He stated: “the diesel engine can be fed In 1911, He stated: “the diesel engine can be fed with vegetable oils and would help considerably in with vegetable oils and would help considerably in the development of agriculture of the countries the development of agriculture of the countries which use it.”which use it.”

He added: “the use of vegetable oils for engine fuels He added: “the use of vegetable oils for engine fuels may seem insignificant today but such oils may may seem insignificant today but such oils may become in course of time as important as petroleum become in course of time as important as petroleum and the coal tar products of the present time.” and the coal tar products of the present time.”

Benefits of BiodieselBenefits of Biodiesel

A 2001 study completed by the U.S. A 2001 study completed by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture found that an Dept. of Agriculture found that an average annual increase of 200 million average annual increase of 200 million gallons of soy based biodiesel demand gallons of soy based biodiesel demand would boost total crop cash receipts by would boost total crop cash receipts by $5.2 billion by 2010. $5.2 billion by 2010.

The same increase in consumption would The same increase in consumption would increase the price for a bushel of increase the price for a bushel of soybeans by 17 cents. soybeans by 17 cents.

Biodiesel TodayBiodiesel Today

Like ethanol, biodiesel is primarily used as a Like ethanol, biodiesel is primarily used as a fuel blend. Most diesel blends are comprised fuel blend. Most diesel blends are comprised of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum diesel.petroleum diesel.

No additional modifications need to be added No additional modifications need to be added to a vehicle that runs on this biodiesel mixture.to a vehicle that runs on this biodiesel mixture.

In addition, higher blends, even pure biodiesel In addition, higher blends, even pure biodiesel can be used in many engines built since 1994 can be used in many engines built since 1994 with little or no modifications. with little or no modifications.

How is Biodiesel Made?How is Biodiesel Made?

Fats and oils are chemically reacted with Fats and oils are chemically reacted with methanol to produce chemical methanol to produce chemical compounds known as fatty acid methyl compounds known as fatty acid methyl esters. Biodiesel is the name given esters. Biodiesel is the name given these esters when they’re intended for these esters when they’re intended for use as a fuel. use as a fuel.

Currently, there is enough feedstock to Currently, there is enough feedstock to supply 1.9 billion gallons of biodiesel.supply 1.9 billion gallons of biodiesel.

Biodiesel ProductionBiodiesel Production- Much of the infrastructure for the production - Much of the infrastructure for the production of biodiesel is already in place. of biodiesel is already in place.

Emissions From Biodiesel Emissions From Biodiesel VehiclesVehicles

EmissionEmission B100B100 B20B20

Carbon Carbon MonoxideMonoxide

-47%-47% -12%-12%

HydrocarbonsHydrocarbons -67%-67% -20%-20%

ParticulatesParticulates -48%-48% -12%-12%

Nitrogen Nitrogen OxidesOxides

+10%+10% +2%+2%

Air ToxicsAir Toxics -60%-90%-60%-90% -12%-20%-12%-20%

MutagenicityMutagenicity -80%-90%-80%-90% -20%-20%

Illinois Clean School Bus Illinois Clean School Bus GrantsGrants

On September 14, 2004 Governor On September 14, 2004 Governor Blagojevich gave 19 school districts in Blagojevich gave 19 school districts in Illinois grants for clean school buses. Illinois grants for clean school buses.

These grants funded a total of 114 school These grants funded a total of 114 school buses that will use biodiesel fuel. buses that will use biodiesel fuel.

EPA Clean School Bus EPA Clean School Bus GrantsGrants

The Environmental Protection Agency offers The Environmental Protection Agency offers grants to school districts throughout the United grants to school districts throughout the United States to encourage the use of biodiesel.States to encourage the use of biodiesel.

The Olympia School District in Illinois received The Olympia School District in Illinois received such a grant in 2002. Currently, all 33 of its such a grant in 2002. Currently, all 33 of its buses use biodiesel fuel. buses use biodiesel fuel.

The buses in Olympia School District travel The buses in Olympia School District travel more than 600,000 miles per year. more than 600,000 miles per year.

BiopowerBiopower

Biopower is the process of using biomass Biopower is the process of using biomass (plant and organic matter) to generate (plant and organic matter) to generate electricity.electricity.

Biomass has been used for lighting, cooking, Biomass has been used for lighting, cooking, and heating ever since humans first and heating ever since humans first discovered fire. discovered fire.

Today, hundreds of US power plants use Today, hundreds of US power plants use biomass resources to produce 65 billion biomass resources to produce 65 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity each year. kilowatt-hours of electricity each year.

BiopowerBiopower

Biomass is the single largest source of Biomass is the single largest source of non-hydro renewable electricity. non-hydro renewable electricity.

The majority of electricity produced from The majority of electricity produced from biomass is used as base load power in biomass is used as base load power in the existing electrical distribution system.the existing electrical distribution system.

More than 200 companies generate More than 200 companies generate biomass power in the U.S.biomass power in the U.S.

BiopowerBiopower

The wood and paper The wood and paper industries generate industries generate and use about two-and use about two-thirds of this power. thirds of this power.

Biomass is the single Biomass is the single largest source of largest source of non-hydro renewable non-hydro renewable electricity. electricity.

Environmental Benefits of Environmental Benefits of BiopowerBiopower

Although biopower production results in Although biopower production results in increased particulate emissions, they are increased particulate emissions, they are cleaner than coal fired power plants because cleaner than coal fired power plants because they do not release sulfur dioxide.they do not release sulfur dioxide.

Additionally, bioenergy systems are carbon Additionally, bioenergy systems are carbon dioxide neutral because the plant material dioxide neutral because the plant material absorbs as much carbon dioxide during its life absorbs as much carbon dioxide during its life as released when it is burned to produce as released when it is burned to produce electricity. electricity.

Types of Biopower Types of Biopower systemssystems

There are three different types of There are three different types of biopower systems: direct-fire, co-biopower systems: direct-fire, co-firing, and gasification. firing, and gasification.

Direct-FireDirect-Fire

Direct firing involves burning biomass directly Direct firing involves burning biomass directly to produce steam. This steam is then captured to produce steam. This steam is then captured and directed to spin a turbine that produces and directed to spin a turbine that produces electricity. electricity.

This system is very similar to conventional This system is very similar to conventional power production that produces electricity. power production that produces electricity.

Most of today’s biopower plants use a direct Most of today’s biopower plants use a direct combustion systemcombustion system

Direct –fire plantDirect –fire plant

Co-FiringCo-Firing

Co-firing is similar to direct firing except Co-firing is similar to direct firing except for the fact that biomass materials are for the fact that biomass materials are burned in combination with a fossil fuel, burned in combination with a fossil fuel, most often coal, in a high efficiency most often coal, in a high efficiency boiler.boiler.

Utility companies use this approach to Utility companies use this approach to reduce overall air pollution emissions, reduce overall air pollution emissions, most notably sulfur dioxide. most notably sulfur dioxide.

Gasification Gasification

Gasification systems are quite different from Gasification systems are quite different from the other two methods.the other two methods.

Gasification involves using high temperatures Gasification involves using high temperatures in an oxygen starved environment to convert in an oxygen starved environment to convert biomass into a gas.biomass into a gas.

This gas can then be used to fuel a combined-This gas can then be used to fuel a combined-cycle gas turbine. cycle gas turbine.

Gasification is the preferred method given that Gasification is the preferred method given that combined gas-turbines are the most efficient of combined gas-turbines are the most efficient of all power conversion technologies. all power conversion technologies.

Gasification PlantGasification Plant

Future Prospects of Future Prospects of BioenergyBioenergy

Bioenergy is generally cost competitive with Bioenergy is generally cost competitive with fossil fuel generated electricity when biomass fossil fuel generated electricity when biomass residue prices are very low or negative.residue prices are very low or negative.

Transportation costs are key to the price so Transportation costs are key to the price so biomass power plants must be sited near an biomass power plants must be sited near an ongoing, reliable biomass source. ongoing, reliable biomass source.

Most analysts believe that the economics of Most analysts believe that the economics of bioenergy will improve with higher efficiencies. bioenergy will improve with higher efficiencies.

Biorefinery Biorefinery

A biorefinery is a facility that breaks down A biorefinery is a facility that breaks down biomass into fuels, power, and chemicals biomass into fuels, power, and chemicals than can be used for human use.than can be used for human use.

By producing many different products, a By producing many different products, a biorefinery can take advantage of the biorefinery can take advantage of the differences in biomass components and differences in biomass components and maximize the value derived from maximize the value derived from biomass.biomass.

Biorefinery ConceptBiorefinery Concept

BiorefineryBiorefinery

To be cost effective, a biorefinery would To be cost effective, a biorefinery would have to be located near a specific have to be located near a specific biomass resource, like a cornfield. biomass resource, like a cornfield.

Biorefineries are closely modeled after Biorefineries are closely modeled after petroleum refineries. A lot of the petroleum refineries. A lot of the technology for an efficient biorefinery has technology for an efficient biorefinery has already been developed.already been developed.

Biobased ProductsBiobased Products

Biomass can also be used to make everyday Biomass can also be used to make everyday products that are usually produced using fossil products that are usually produced using fossil fuelsfuels

Any product that we can make from fossil fuels Any product that we can make from fossil fuels can be identically made from biomass.can be identically made from biomass.

Moreover, biobased products most often Moreover, biobased products most often require less energy to produce than petroleum require less energy to produce than petroleum based products. based products.

Biobased ProductsBiobased Products

The U.S. already produces more than 300 The U.S. already produces more than 300 billion pounds of biobased products each year, billion pounds of biobased products each year, not including food. not including food.

Examples of biobased products include: Examples of biobased products include: plastics, cleaning products, natural fibers, plastics, cleaning products, natural fibers, natural structural materials, and industrial natural structural materials, and industrial chemicals. chemicals.

Biorefineries can be used to produce a variety Biorefineries can be used to produce a variety of products that can be made from biomass. of products that can be made from biomass. As a result, many people predict that As a result, many people predict that biorefineries could become commonplace. biorefineries could become commonplace.

Biobased ProductsBiobased Products

DuPont has recently developed a DuPont has recently developed a biobased method that uses corn instead biobased method that uses corn instead of petroleum based processes to produce of petroleum based processes to produce a polymer platform for use in clothing, a polymer platform for use in clothing, carpets, and automobile interiors. carpets, and automobile interiors.

Additionally, Cargill Dow has a Additionally, Cargill Dow has a biorefinery in Blair, Nebraska that is biorefinery in Blair, Nebraska that is currently producing polymers from corn currently producing polymers from corn sugar. sugar.

Local Biomass InitiativesLocal Biomass Initiatives

The Great Lakes Biomass State Regional The Great Lakes Biomass State Regional Partnership consists of Illinois, Indiana, Partnership consists of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.Wisconsin.

The Partnership was established by the The Partnership was established by the Dept. of Energy and is designed to Dept. of Energy and is designed to encourage greater production and use of encourage greater production and use of biomass for energy generation. biomass for energy generation.

The Great Lakes Biomass The Great Lakes Biomass State Regional PartnershipState Regional Partnership

A grant is awarded annually to each state A grant is awarded annually to each state in the partnership to promote the use of in the partnership to promote the use of biomass and retain a project leader biomass and retain a project leader knowledgeable about biomass energy on knowledgeable about biomass energy on the staff of each state energy office.the staff of each state energy office.

These state offices perform resource These state offices perform resource assessments, demonstration projects, assessments, demonstration projects, and provide technical assistance. and provide technical assistance.

Biomass and the FutureBiomass and the Future

More research is being conducted to improving More research is being conducted to improving technologies for making electricity and fuels technologies for making electricity and fuels from biomass. from biomass.

Some oil companies and petrochemical Some oil companies and petrochemical industries have begun to explore biomass industries have begun to explore biomass energy. energy.

The biggest challenge is the cost of bioenergy: The biggest challenge is the cost of bioenergy: As long as fossil fuels remain cheaper than As long as fossil fuels remain cheaper than bioenergy, people will be hesitant to invest in bioenergy, people will be hesitant to invest in this technology. this technology.

Biomass and the FutureBiomass and the Future

The ability to cost effectively collect, store, and The ability to cost effectively collect, store, and transport biomass presents many challenges.transport biomass presents many challenges.

Infrastructure will have to be built to ensure a Infrastructure will have to be built to ensure a safe and efficient supply system for biomass. safe and efficient supply system for biomass.

Currently, the Idaho National Engineering and Currently, the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory is conducting R&D in Environmental Laboratory is conducting R&D in how to develop infrastructure for biomass how to develop infrastructure for biomass energy.energy.