What is biomass and why is it considered greenhouse gas neutral?
Biomass is defined as materials derived from sources of either living organisms or metabolic by-products. Typical biomass supply is derived from: • Woody – mill or pulp and paper residues, forest residue and short rotation crops. • Non-woody – agricultural crops, crop residue, processing residues. • Other organic waste – animal waste such as manure from feed lots, municipal solid waste and industrial wastes. As plants grow, they absorb carbon dioxide (Co2). When they decompose naturally, they return the Co2 to the atmosphere in an on-going and renewable cycle. When biomass is used as a fuel for gasification or other processes, it is considered GHG-neutral because the Co2 it emits as a fuel is equal to the Co2 it took in while growing and would release if it decomposed naturally.
