Biomass Sources Worksheet
Instructions: Biomass is a renewable energy supply that includes a wide range of sources. The
readings from Chapter 4 of “Renewable Energy,” the textbook for this class, provide a lot of
helpful Biomass information. There are websites noted below that also provide interesting and
helpful information related to Biomass.
Refer to the textbook readings and the website readings listed for each segment below, and
complete the exercises on this worksheet to gain a greater understanding of Biomass and its
potential for our energy needs.
Part 1
Access the Energy Information Administration and Re-energy.ca websites to read and find the
information related to the questions 1 - 5.
Energy Information Administration
http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/renewable/biomass.html
Re-energy.ca
http://www.re-energy.ca/pdf/biomass-energy-bg.pdf
1. Define biomass.
A renewable energy source, is biological material derived from living, or recently living organisms.
2. Biomass contains stored energy from the sun. How did that energy get into the biomass?
The energy gets into the biomass through photosynthesis.
3. What happens to the stored energy when biomass is burned? The stored energy is
released to create a usable energy such as heat.
4. List the five primary types of biomass used for energy.
a. _Wood_________________
b. __Crops________________
c. __Landfill Gas________________
d. _Alcohol Fuels_________________
e. ___Garbage_______________
5. Summarize the environmental effects of the following
a. burning wood – Releases Carbon Monoxide and fine particulates
b. burning MSW or wood waste – Can release stored chemical or metals into the air
c. collecting landfill gas or biogas – almost no effect after burned, methane is a strong
green house gas so it is beneficial to burn.
d. ethanol – releases carbon dioxide when burned, but is offset by plants that breathe it in.
e. biodiesel – releases nitrogen oxide
Part 2
Explore the Energy Information Administration website (see specific link below) to read more
about what makes Biomass fuels and then answer questions 6 – 9.
Energy Information Administration
http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/classactivities/biomasstech_%20int%20sec.pdf
6. What enzyme is used to convert cellulose to sugar? __Yeast_________________
7. In your opinion, why is enzymatic hydrolysis better than the currently used acid treatment
of plant material? Enzymatic uses natural ways to break down the cellulose instead of
using synthetic products that are harsh on the environment.
8. Define gasification. A process that converts carbonaceous materials, such as coal, petroleum,
biofuel, or biomass, into carbon monoxide and hydrogen by reacting the raw material.
9. Define pyrolysis. Chemical decomposition of condensed materials by heating.
Part 3
Read Biomass related information included in the website for Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy. Be sure to visit the first three links under the “Biomass Feedstocks” heading on the left of
the page and answer questions 10 and 11 below.
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/biomass/biomass_feedstocks.html
10. Why is it crucial to develop an efficient means to utilize the cellulose and hemicellulose
found in non-starch, non-food-related biomass? It is crucial to develop an efficient means
to utilize these basis’ is because they can be costly and can delay the production aspect of
the fuel production.
11. Describe the controversy that exists with respect to residue harvesting. The controversy
with these means to residue harvesting is the high alkali levels in the product and what it
means for the impact on the environment, also it would be tapping into the food supply.
