Waste biomass energy potential

Several studies estimate the potential of available virgin and waste biomass as energy resources (Table 4) (10). In Table 4, the projected potential of the recoverable materials is about 25% of the theoretical maximum woody biomass is about 70% of the total recoverable potential. These estimates of biomass energy potential are based on existing, sustainable biomass production and do not iaclude new, dedicated biomass energy plantations that might be developed. 

Another factor is the potential economic benefit that may be realized due to possible future environmental regulations from utilizing both waste and virgin biomass as energy resources. Carbon taxes imposed on the use of fossil fuels in the United States to help reduce undesirable automobile and power plant emissions to the atmosphere would provide additional economic incentives to stimulate development of new biomass energy systems. Certain tax credits and subsidies are already available for commercial use of specific types of biomass energy systems (93). 

Table IV. Energy Potential From Biomass and Wastes in the United States ...

TABLE 2.8 Energy Potential of Waste Biomass in Indiana ... 

This review of the concept of utilizing biomass energy shows that when sufficient supplies of renewable carbon are available, virgin and waste biomass have the potential of becoming basic energy resources. Presuming that suitable conversion processes are available, and that the demand for energy and estab-... 

Many processes can be used to produce energy or gaseous, liquid, and solid fuels from virgin and waste biomass. In addition, chemicals can be produced from biomass by a wide range of processes. It is evident from the data and information presented in this chapter, however, that the characteristics of potential feedstocks, particularly their moisture and energy contents, can have profound effects on the utility of specific biomass species and waste biomass. Table 3.10 is a summary of the principal feedstock, process, and product types that are considered in developing a synfuel-from-biomass process. There are many interacting parameters and possible feedstock—process—product combinations, but not all are feasible from a practical standpoint. For example, the separation of small amounts of metals present in biomass and the direct... 

Waste Biomass Resource Abundance, Energy Potential, and Availability... 

In any case, the information and data discussed here show that although the amounts of certain animal wastes are substantial and represent a large energy potential, careful assessment of availabilities is necessary to develop strategies for commercial development of animal excreta as waste biomass feedstocks. 

TABLE 5.6 Energy Potentials and Availabilities from Waste Biomass in United States... 

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