Biomass: The Carbon Bomb
A typical 100 MW wood burning facility emits 1.6 tons per year of carbon dioxide from the combustion process alone: 50% more per unit of energy than burning coal. These emission numbers are based on company permit applications. Air Permit Application American Renewables FL Emission Rates from Permit.pdf
That’s lot of carbon dioxide that has to be reabsorbed every year if biomass is going to be “carbon neutral.” Of course, it can’t be reabsorbed because the atmosphere and oceans are already overloaded with carbon dioxide. In short, the carbon neutrality of biomass is a hoax.
Public funding for biomass energy is based on the unsubstantiated assumption that burning biomass for electricity is better than fossil fuels when it comes to climate change. State renewable portfolio standards are intended to provide a market based incentive for “clean and renewable” energy. But when it comes to climate impacts, recent science shows that the carbon dioxide emitted from biomass burning won’t be reabsorbed for decades. Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences Report. Manomet BiomassReport 2010.pdf
We have yet to see a biomass electricity project that provides proof that the carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases it emits will be reabsorbed in any timeframe meaningful to addressing climate change. If you find one, contact us!
Key documents:
Fixing a Critical Climate Accounting Error. Searchinger et al Carbon Accounting Oct 2009.pdf
Letter to Washington State Officials from 3 Acclaimed Scientists, 2011 Harmon_Searchinger_Moomaw Letter, 2-3-11.pdf
Goodbye Carbon Neutral. Harmon_Searchinger_Moomaw Letter, 2-3-11.pdf
Center for Biological Diversity:
- 1. Petition challenging U.S. Greenhouse Gas Inventory for erroneous accounting of biomass burning emissions. CBD Petition GHG Inventory.pdf
- 2. Response to call for information on greenhouse gas Tailoring Rule under the Clean Air Act CBD Biomass Call for Information Comments.pdf
The upfront carbon debt of bioenergy.
The Biomass Monitor [News]- Vermont Biomass Working Group’s Recommendations Threaten Public Health, Forests, Climate, and Clean Energy Economy [The Biomass Monitor] February 8, 2012
- The Biomass Monitor – February 2012 February 6, 2012
- The Biomass Monitor – January 2012 January 4, 2012
- Forest Die-off and Biomass Power in Texas [The Biomass Monitor] December 22, 2011
