When you hear the words “renewable energy,” the first two things you think of are generally wind and solar power. For most people, biomass energy does not cross the radar—if you even know what it is.

Biomass energy (renewable energy created from biological material) is one of the few energy alternatives that can be done either locally or at a national level. With wind or hydropower, for example, the energy can only be gathered in a few places and then must be carried away to its destination. Biomass energy can be created locally and via more than one type of crop or biological source.

Image from www.amrenewables.com

Biomass is made out of trees or plants, and the converted energy created by their use doesn’t create the massive carbon emissions of fossil fuels. This carbon was already in the plants to start with, so the amount put back into the atmosphere has little impact.

This energy is also economically efficient. Because the energy is created locally and in regions – the same areas where the crops are grown -  the biomass industry would stabilize and strengthen the economies in those areas. This also means the energy and money spent growing and harvesting these plants stays there, too, because biomass plants use fuel sources that are close to the plant—within 75 miles. Not only this, but having local energy production reduces the need for external sources of energy, such as oil.

To top it off, biomass energy usage can actually help clean the air and manage world climate change at the same time. Since it relies on trees or other plants for energy, the power plant and the local community must harvest sustainably, planting new trees, or crops for every one harvested. This encourages better forestry habits, because the forest or crop is a source of energy. This can lead to better wildlife protection, a reduction in invasive species (because we are not importing as much for energy), by-products like ash that can be used in farming, and a whole range of other benefits. With more trees planted, the more carbon dioxide is sucked from the air and replaced with oxygen.

While biomass energy does not have the name recognition that wind or solar energy do, it is a viable option, and something worth considering. The more things that are done locally, the less we are dependent on outside nations for energy, and the less environmental impact we have.

For more information on biomass energy, American Renewables has resources, current project details, and what the experts are saying on their site, www.amrenewables.com