Biomass

Biomass refers to the organic material in forests, agricultural products and other renewable plant material – including such potential energy sources as garbage and animal wastes.

The energy potential for biomass is vast—and anything people can make from fossil fuels they can theoretically make from biomass.

Most Americans are driving around with bio-fuels in their gas tanks today whether they realize it or not. Bio-fuels are made from fermented plant materials, with corn-based ethanol currently contributing about 1.8 billion gallons a year. In the arid west, however, the water it takes to grow corn is often prohibitive. Our network is supporting efforts to develop a pilot project engaging agricultural producers in three states to make ethanol instead from less thirsty plants, and even agricultural waste product such as wheat straw. Research is underway around the nation into producing this so-called cellulosic ethanol that would use enzymes to turn various plant materials into fuel using much less energy than corn-based ethanol.

Agricultural groups are also working on bio-diesel projects in the intermountain region. This fuel takes oils from plants including soybeans or canola and combines it with ethanol to make diesel fuel. Our network is supporting the efforts of rural entrepreneurs and agriculture leaders in developing bio-diesel projects.

Using manure to produce methane gas through anaerobic digestion is one of the technologies agricultural entrepreneurs are starting to implement in the intermountain region. Others are hoping to develop methane-powered electric plants using animal waste.

Diseased and fire-prone western forests are another vast potential source of new energy. The biomass produced by forest thinning can be used to produce energy as well as reduce fire dangers and make forests healthier.

Resources
Renewable Fuels Association
BBI International
USDA's Biobased Products and Bioenergy Coordination Council
Western Governors' Association Biomass Task Force