Bio Energy- What is it?

Biomass is a broad term used to describe material of recent biological origin that can be used either as a source of energy or for its chemical components. Biomass includes wood waste, part of the municipal solid waste stream, and animal waste. Because biomass contains stored solar energy, it can be used to generate bioenergy.

Typically, bioenergy from wood waste comes from round wood, used primarily in industrial sectors; wood fuel, residential and commercial sectors; and wood byproducts and waste, commercial or industrial sectors. In residential settings, wood can be burned effectively and with minimal impact to air quality in a U.S. EPA certified wood stove, pellet stove, or wood boiler system. For commercial or industrial purposes, wood can be converted into energy through several different methods such as combustion, gasification, and pyrolysis.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA), and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Division, offer a wealth of information about biomass as an alternative energy source. Also, the Fuels for Schools and Beyond program is a valuable tool for public and private facilities interested in using wood biomass to produce heat and power in their facility. More information about this program can be found at http://www.fuelsforschools.info/ or contact the Wyoming State Forestry Division at forestry@state.wy.us or by phone at 307-777-7586.