Biomass explained - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
Jul 30, 2024 · Biomass—renewable energy from plants and animals. Biomass is renewable organic material that comes from plants and animals. Biomass can be burned directly for heat or converted to liquid and gaseous fuels through various processes. Biomass was the largest source of total annual U.S. energy consumption until the mid-1800s.
Biomass and the environment - U.S. Energy Information …
Using biomass and biofuels made from biomass has positive and negative effects on the environment. One benefit is that biomass and biofuels are alternative energy sources to fossil fuels. Burning fossil fuels and biomass releases carbon dioxide (CO 2), a greenhouse gas.
Biomass - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
Biomass—renewable energy from plants and animals. Biomass is renewable organic material that comes from plants and animals. Biomass was the largest source of total annual U.S. energy consumption until the mid-1800s. Biomass continues to be an important fuel in many countries, especially for cooking and heating in developing countries.
Wood and wood waste - U.S. Energy Information Administration …
Historical state-level data on biomass consumption by sector Residential Energy Consumption Survey Increase in wood as main source of household heating most notable in the Northeast
Biomass explained Landfill gas and biogas - U.S. Energy …
Dec 15, 2023 · Biogas, which may be called renewable natural gas (RNG) or biomethane, is an energy-rich gas produced by anaerobic decomposition or thermochemical conversion of biomass. Biogas is composed mostly of methane (CH 4 ), the main compound in fossil natural gas, and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ).
Waste-to-energy (MSW) - U.S. Energy Information Administration …
Nov 6, 2023 · Biomass materials accounted for about 61% of the weight of the combustible MSW and for about 45% of the electricity generated. The remainder of the combustible MSW was nonbiomass material, mainly plastics.
Biofuels explained - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
Feb 28, 2024 · The term biofuels usually applies to liquid fuels and blending components produced from biomass materials called feedstocks. Biofuels may also include methane produced from landfill gas and biogas and hydrogen produced from renewable resources.
Sources of energy - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
Throughout most of human history, biomass from plants was the main energy source. Biomass was burned for warmth and light, to cook food, and to feed the animals people used for transportation and plowing.
Biofuels explained Biodiesel, renewable diesel, and other biofuels
Feb 26, 2024 · Renewable diesel and other (non-fuel ethanol) biofuels and biointermediates can be produced from nearly any biomass feedstock, including those used for biodiesel production, through a variety of processes, such as: Hydrotreating; Gasification; Pyrolysis; Other biochemical and thermochemical technologies
Renewable energy explained - U.S. Energy Information …
Sep 13, 2024 · Renewable energy can play an important role in U.S. energy security and in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Using renewable energy can help to reduce energy imports and fossil fuel use, the largest source of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions.According to projections in the Annual Energy Outlook 2023 Reference case, U.S. renewable energy consumption will …