Benefits & Advantages of Biomass Production & Combustion
The production of energy from biomass combustion, is a form of bioenergy or green energy, has the effect of reducing emissions of gaseous and other pollutants (CO2, NOX, SO2, etc.) and, consequently, reducing their known catastrophic effects on the environment. It is a form of renewable energy because it is stored solar energy that is captured by plants during the process of photosynthesis.
Biomass is one of the mildest forms of energy, inexhaustible under certain conditions and environmentally friendly. When biomass is burned, the carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere is reabsorbed by the new biomass that will be produced which traps carbon and releases oxygen. Therefore, we do not have an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which is responsible for the greenhouse effect.
Exhaust gases do not cause environmental problems, as no compounds are created that harm the environment. The solid particles (soot) are retained with filters, in the case of BIOPAR by a large electrostatic precipitator, while the only residue from the whole process is the ash which again can be used for soil enrichment and for the composting process. The anti-pollution technology of the unit is one of the most modern in the world.
In addition to the environmental benefits, the operation of the factory of BIOPAR ENERGY offers economic and social benefits to the area since, in addition to permanent jobs (6 people), new ones are created depending on the needs of the factory (eg upon receipt and transfer of biomass) while the majority of the markets for the smooth operation of the factory and the monthly supplies are made by the city of Volos to support the local market. Also, from the operation of the unit, the local municipality (Municipality of Riga Ferrai) receives three percent (3%) of the unit’s turnover, which translates into additional revenues of the municipality as well as a significant reduction in electricity supply tariffs of its residents.
Science matters
Biomass is organic material that comes from plants and animals, and it is a renewable source of energy.
Biomass contains stored energy from the sun. Plants absorb the sun’s energy in a process called photosynthesis. When biomass is burned, the chemical energy in biomass is released as heat. Biomass can be burned directly or converted to liquid biofuels or biogas that can be burned as fuels.
In 2017 renewable energy represented 17.5 % of energy consumed in the EU, on a path to the 2020 target of 20 %