Environmental Effects of Biomass Generation
Environmental effects of biomass generation and cogeneration include land use, water, and air quality. Biomass generation uses similar technology to coal and natural gas and therefore is subject to emissions arising from the production process; however, in general biomass emits fewer pollutants than its fossil fuel counterparts. The primary air emissions caused by biomass combustion include nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, mercury, lead, volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, carbon dioxide, and dioxins. Biomass generation can be considered a carbon dioxide reducing resource only if re-plantation of the spent fuel occurs (e.g. woody residues). Most existing biomass projects in the region are fueled by already spent resources rather than resources grown for the purpose of energy production, for example animal waste, woody residues, and municipal garbage, and therefore the impact to land and water use to supply the fuel is minimal as it already exists. Depending on the type of technology and fuel used in the power production, there are greenhouse gas emissions and water quality issues associated with biomass. Cooling water can affect nearby land and water sources, depending on where/how it is used. If a closed-loop system is utilized by the power plant, there are fewer impacts to nearby water sources than a once-through or open loop cooling system.