Biomass Energy

Definition: Energy produced by burning organic materials, such as wood, agricultural crops, or waste materials.

Relevance to energy: Biomass is a renewable energy source that can be used for heating, electricity generation, and as a replacement for fossil fuels in some applications.

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Benefits:

• Renewable and potentially carbon-neutral if managed sustainably
• Can help manage waste products
• Provides a steady, controllable energy source unlike some other renewables

Drawbacks:

• Can contribute to air pollution if not properly managed
• May compete with food production for land use
• Efficiency can be lower than some other energy sources

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Statistics: The International Energy Agency reports that bioenergy accounts for roughly 10% of global primary energy supply and is the largest renewable energy source.