Biomass Availability, Potential and Characteristics

Abstract

Biomass refers to any organic materials that are derived from plants (including algae, trees and crops) and comprises material which has an organic origin. This leads to a wide range of possible sources of biomass each with their own composition and to different possible classifications. In the energy field, “biomass” refers to the organic matter (living or residue) that can be used as combustible material or energy source for power generation, heat or biofuels. After a description of the main types of biomass used in the energy field, their composition is given and the main parameters to evaluate their energy potential are listed and commented. In particular, the energy potential of virgin biomass, both terrestrial and aquatic, and waste biomass is investigated. An analysis on the availability of the biomass is outlined together with its worldwide productivity. Finally, a list of limitation of energy production from this resource related to historical, technical, economic, environmental and social reasons is described.