Harnessing Biomass and Biofuels: A Sustainable Path to Renewable Energy and Ecological Balance.

Year : 2024 | Volume : 13 | Issue : 02 | Page : 29 35
    By

    Pragya Yadav,

  • A.K Sharma,

  1. Research Scholar, Department of Biotechnology, I. K. Gujral Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar, Punjab, India
  2. Scientist E, Department of Biotechnology, Sardar Swaran Singh National Institute of Bio-Energy Kapurthala, Punjab, India

Abstract

Biomass, derived from living or recently deceased organisms, encompasses biological material used for energy production, known as bioenergy. Historically, fuelwood was the primary energy source until the Industrial Revolution, which saw a shift to fossil fuels. Common biomass fuels include fuelwood, agricultural residues, vegetable oils, and animal wastes. Biofuels, a subset of biomass energy, are liquid or gaseous fuels produced from organic matter of plant or animal origin. The rising interest in biofuels is driven by fossil fuel shortages and the need for more sustainable energy sources. Biofuels offer ecological benefits by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and utilizing waste materials that would otherwise contribute to pollution. Biomass conversion to bioenergy can occur through three primary processes: thermochemical, biochemical, and chemical conversion. Thermochemical conversion involves heat and chemical processes, biochemical conversion uses enzymes and microorganisms, and chemical conversion employs chemical agents. Biomass residues, such as paddy straw and husk, possess significant power generation potential. For instance, paddy straw in some regions can generate up to 3644 MW, yet remains underutilized, often being burnt in fields, causing air pollution and health hazards. Biomass, derived from living or recently deceased organisms, encompasses biological material used for energy production, known as bioenergy. Historically, fuelwood was the primary energy source until the Industrial Revolution, which saw a shift to fossil fuels. Common biomass fuels include fuelwood, agricultural residues, vegetable oils, and animal wastes. Biofuels, a subset of biomass energy, are liquid or gaseous fuels produced from organic matter of plant or animal origin. The rising interest in biofuels is driven by fossil fuel shortages and the need for more sustainable energy sources. Biofuels offer ecological benefits by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and utilizing waste materials that would otherwise contribute to pollution. Biomass conversion to bioenergy can occur through three primary processes: thermochemical, biochemical, and chemical conversion. Thermochemical conversion involves heat and chemical processes, biochemical conversion uses enzymes and microorganisms, and chemical conversion employs chemical agents. Biomass residues, such as paddy straw and husk, possess significant power generation potential. For instance, paddy straw in some regions can generate up to 3644 MW, yet remains underutilized, often being burnt in fields, causing air pollution and health hazards. This highlights the need for more efficient biomass utilization strategies to harness its energy potential while mitigating environmental impact.

Keywords: Ecological Balance, Renewable Energy, biomass assessment, Biofuel, Biomass Storage

[This article belongs to Research & Reviews : Journal of Ecology ]

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How to cite this article:
Pragya Yadav, A.K Sharma. Harnessing Biomass and Biofuels: A Sustainable Path to Renewable Energy and Ecological Balance.. Research & Reviews : Journal of Ecology. 2024; 13(02):29-35.
How to cite this URL:
Pragya Yadav, A.K Sharma. Harnessing Biomass and Biofuels: A Sustainable Path to Renewable Energy and Ecological Balance.. Research & Reviews : Journal of Ecology. 2024; 13(02):29-35. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjoe/article=2024/view=158141


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Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 13
Issue 02
Received 12/07/2024
Accepted 20/07/2024
Published 26/07/2024
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