Biomass is organic material made from plants and animals (microorganisms). Biomass contains stored energy from the sun. Biomass fuels provide about 4% of the energy used in the United States. Researchers are trying to develop ways to burn more biomass and less fossil fuels. Using biomass for energy may cut back on waste and greenhouse gas emissions. (ref: "Biomass Basics," US Energy Information Association, [n.d.]) According to NREL, Wood is still the largest biomass energy resource today, but other sources of biomass can also be used. These include food crops, grassy and woody plants, residues from agriculture or forestry, oil-rich algae, and the organic component of municipal and industrial wastes. Even the fumes from landfills (which are methane, a natural gas) can be used as a biomass energy source. (ref: "Learning about Renewable Energy: Biomass Basics," NREL, page last updated 2/9/10)
Research by Eliza Brannigan
