Biomass is converted to energy through various processes, including:
- Direct combustion (burning) to produce heat.
- Thermochemical conversion to produce solid, gaseous, and liquid fuels.
- Chemical conversion to produce liquid fuels.
- Biological conversion to produce liquid and gaseous fuels.
How does biomass work BBC Bitesize?
Biomass, which is made from waste plant or animal material, can be burned to produce heat and electricity. Biomass, in the form of sewage, is turned into dried pellets which are burned with coal in a power station to produce heat. The heat produces steam to power electricity generators.
How does biomass energy operate?
Most electricity generated from biomass is produced by direct combustion. Biomass is burned in a boiler to produce high-pressure steam. This steam flows over a series of turbine blades, causing them to rotate. The rotation of the turbine drives a generator, producing electricity.
