Biomass is a renewable energy source that converts organic waste into usable power. It can be produced from wood, plants, food industry by-products, agricultural residues and recycled materials. Raw biomass when put through a conversion process broadly classified as thermal, chemical, and biological can be a more efficient and practical fuel.
The energy stored in these materials are a fuel source that can be combusted in a furnace to heat water to generate steam to drive turbines and generate electricity.
Common biomass feedstocks include wood products such as leaves, bark, logs and agricultural waste including corncobs, fruit pits and crop residues. Solid waste can also be converted into energy once harmful materials are removed. Landfill gas and biogas are produced when organic waste decomposes, generating methane. In addition, alcohol fuels can be made from biomass: ethanol from crops such as maize and biodiesel from animal fats or vegetable oils.
Feedstocks can be converted through processes including combustion, gasification, pyrolysis, anaerobic digestion and fermentation. Biomass power stations can provide a more stable electricity output than intermittent sources such as wind and solar.
The UK is currently one of the largest importers and subsidisers of biomass fuel pellets for electricity generation. However, expanding biomass energy will require sustainable supply chains and careful management to avoid increased CO₂ emissions, deforestation or land degradation.
This section provides examples of a research, teaching or innovation taking place at Robert Gordon University related to this topic.
Robert Gordon University helps Orkney Islands with waste disposal - A team at Robert Gordon University are researching ways to address waste management challenges faced by the Orkney Islands and other remote and rural island communities. Working with Strathendrick Biogas, researchers are running a feasibility study to identify the most appropriate Anaerobic Digester options for the Islands and make recommendations for an Anaerobic Digester strategy as part of an integrated waste system.