Alternative Energy Technologies

Biomass and Biofuels

Fuel created from living or recently dead materials is termed biomass. Plants are used to create biofuels such as bioethanol, biobutanol, biodiesel and biogas, which can be used like their petroleum-based relatives. Typical plants used for the production of biofuels are switchgrass, hemp, corn, poplar, willow, and sugarcane. Biofuels’ live-cycle can be relatively carbon-neutral because the new plants grown can absorb the carbon produced by the burning of the old plants. If we become able to capture and sequester (i.e. store) the carbon produced from burning biomass, we can begin to reduce the amount of carbon in the atmosphere. You may qualify for tax credits or rebates when purchasing or producing biomass. Visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency to see your area’s programs.