Page 48 - New Trends in Eco efficient and Recycled Concrete

Biomass fly ash and biomass bottom ash 25

significant increase of biomass being used in coming years, estimating that by 2050
the potential energy production from biomass will be in the range of 100 to 300 EJ
(2300 to 7100 Mtoe) per year, compared to the current 50 EJ (International Energy
Agency (EIA), 2012). Particularly, European Union biomass is expected to contrib-
ute over 50% towards their renewable energy targets (International Energy Agency
(EIA), 2012).

2.1.2 Sources of biomass for power generation
Biomass is organic matter that comes from living organisms, and includes animal-
as well as vegetable-derived material. It is one of the most diverse and versatile
renewable energy sources that can be used to provide heat, electricity and transport
fuels. Generally, any definition of biomass must encompass three terms: organic,
autochthonous and renewable.

It is based on organic matter available to humans.
It is an autochthonous energy, so is non-dependent on other countries, at least during its
obtaining phase.
It is a renewable energy as it comes from the sun (Fig. 2.1).
Biomass for energy can include a wide range of materials, natural biomass,
residual biomass and energy crops (Figs. 2.2 and 2.3):

Natural biomass. It is produced in natural ecosystems without human intervention to
enhance or modify it. Natural biomass includes, fundamentally, waste produce during for-
est cleaning works and plantation remains, firewood and branches and coniferous and
broad-leaved forests.
Residual biomass. The intensive exploitation of natural biomass is incompatible with
the protection of the environment. However, huge quantities of waste are available
and they can be transformed into energy. This fact is considered a necessary tool to
move towards a more sustainable circular economy, since it helps to avoid waste dis-
posal and produces energy. In this way, residual biomass is defined as the biomass

Natural
biomass
Dry biomass
Residual
biomass
Biomass Wet biomass
classification
Oil crops

Energy crops Alcoholic crops
Woody crops
Lignocellulosic
crops
Grass crops

Figure 2.2 Biomass classification.