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Today, Robert E. Cleaves, IV, Chairman of USA Biomass,
issued a statement on the research by Gregory Morris, Ph.D, for the Green Power
Institute's Renewable Energy Program of the Pacific Institute. According to
Cleaves, the results of Morris' study show that biomass renewable energy
reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
A major concern of biofuels has been their CO2 footprint, which industry analysts believe is not too different from burning fossil fuels. CO2 is a byproduct of biofuel production, as well as biofuel use. However, by using cellulosic wastes from plants, according to the study, the increased carbon intake of forests can offset some of that carbon.
"This latest research by Greg Morris finds that bioenergy production reduces greenhouse gas levels by enhancing forest carbon sequestration. Biomass electricity is produced from the controlled combustion of untreated cellulosic wastes, such as bark, orchard trimming, rice hulls, and sugar bagasse," said Cleaves in a recent press release.
The report suggests it could be possible for companies to use woodlands on their properties as an energy resource, and in doing so cut overall net GHGs.
"Biomass electricity production lowers net greenhouse gas emissions below a zero greenhouse gas emissions level. This is because the usual disposal options for wood and agriculture wastes emit large quantities of methane gas and CO2 through decomposition, forest fires, and landfilling. Biomass should be recognized for the significant role it will play in providing a net reduction of the greenhouse gas effect."
In the paper, Morris writes, "in addition to being carbon neutral, bioenergy production can reduce net greenhouse-gas emissions by contributing to healthier and more resilient forests, and by eliminating the reduced-carbon emissions that are associated with the alternative fates for biomass resources that are not converted into useful energy." Read the report, Bioenergy and Greenhouse Gases, at http://www.pacinst.org/reports/Bioenergy_and_Greenhouse_Gases/Bioenergy_and_Greenhouse_Gases.pdf
A major concern of biofuels has been their CO2 footprint, which industry analysts believe is not too different from burning fossil fuels. CO2 is a byproduct of biofuel production, as well as biofuel use. However, by using cellulosic wastes from plants, according to the study, the increased carbon intake of forests can offset some of that carbon.
"This latest research by Greg Morris finds that bioenergy production reduces greenhouse gas levels by enhancing forest carbon sequestration. Biomass electricity is produced from the controlled combustion of untreated cellulosic wastes, such as bark, orchard trimming, rice hulls, and sugar bagasse," said Cleaves in a recent press release.
The report suggests it could be possible for companies to use woodlands on their properties as an energy resource, and in doing so cut overall net GHGs.
"Biomass electricity production lowers net greenhouse gas emissions below a zero greenhouse gas emissions level. This is because the usual disposal options for wood and agriculture wastes emit large quantities of methane gas and CO2 through decomposition, forest fires, and landfilling. Biomass should be recognized for the significant role it will play in providing a net reduction of the greenhouse gas effect."
In the paper, Morris writes, "in addition to being carbon neutral, bioenergy production can reduce net greenhouse-gas emissions by contributing to healthier and more resilient forests, and by eliminating the reduced-carbon emissions that are associated with the alternative fates for biomass resources that are not converted into useful energy." Read the report, Bioenergy and Greenhouse Gases, at http://www.pacinst.org/reports/Bioenergy_and_Greenhouse_Gases/Bioenergy_and_Greenhouse_Gases.pdf
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