Renewable Energy 101: How Does Biomass Energy Work?

The great thing about biomass energy (or simply “bioenergy”) is that its sources are plant and animal waste. So not only does biomass energy divert this organic matter from the waste stream — it turns it into something we all need, without polluting the planet. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, by 2030, the U.S. has the potential to sustainably produce 1 billion tons of bioenergy each year. As far as renewable energy sources go, biomass is not the most glamorous. But, biomass energy successfully solves two major environmental problems at once — an incredible feat if there ever was one! Transcript: Renewable Energy 101 Biomass … the original renewable energy. It’s been part of our lives since our ancestors learned to control fire. In fact, it’s made possible by the sun, whose energy is absorbed by trees and plants through photosynthesis and then released when organic matter is burned or decomposes. First, there’s plant waste. Wood scraps, sawdust and crop waste can be collected from farms or manufacturers. The waste is burned to heat water. The hot water creates steam. The pressure of the steam spins a turbine. The turbine powers a generator. The generator creates electricity. Simple, really! Next up: animal waste … also known as “the problem of cow poop.” The solution? Waste from farm animals can be collected in a large tank, called a digester, filled with bacteria that eats the waste and converts it to methane gas. The methane is captured and burned to heat water and create steam. Sound familiar? Second verse, same as the first. This same principle can also be used to capture methane — a potent greenhouse gas with 25 times the heat-trapping ability of carbon dioxide — from landfills. Once a section of the landfill is closed off, pipes are run from the waste to collect the gas, which can then be burned to make electricity or heat. Biomass may not be the prettiest form of renewable energy, and it needs to be used carefully and thoughtfully to protect the ecosystems that prevent greenhouse gas emissions, but it can be a smart way to make use of waste. Power to the poop! About Green Mountain Energy: As the nation’s longest-serving renewable energy retailer, we’ve been on a mission to change the way power is made since 1997. By choosing our 100% clean, renewable wind and solar energy plans for their homes and businesses, Green Mountain customers have avoided more than 81 billion pounds of CO2 emissions to date — that’s like taking 8.6 million cars off the road for an entire year! But, we’re more than just an energy company. We’re helping our customers make a positive environmental impact, support a cleaner grid and green their carbon footprints with sustainable living solutions, renewable energy plans and the purchase of carbon offsets. And, our charitable program, Green Mountain Energy Sun Club®, has donated more than $10 million in grants to nonprofits for sustainability projects focused on renewable energy, energy efficiency, resource conservation and environmental stewardship. For more information, visit and . Together, we’re building a cleaner, greener tomorrow. More from Green Mountain Energy! Website: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: © 2020 Green Mountain Energy Company. All rights reserved.