Biomass And Bio-Energy.
                     BIOMASS AND 
BIO-ENERGY
Bio Energy
Bioenergy refers to electricity and gas that is generated from 
organic matter, known as biomass. This can be anything from  
plants and timber to agricultural and food waste  and even 
sewage.
Source: www.goodenergy.co.uk
Bio Mass
Biomass is biological material derived from living or recently living 
organisms. In the context of producing bioenergy, it typically 
refers to agricultural byproducts and residues, woody waste 
products, and crops and microbes grown specifically for fuel.
Source: agsci.oregonstate.edu
How does biomass generate energy?
When biomass is used as an energy source, it’s referred to as 
‘feedstock’. Feedstocks can be grown specifically for their energy 
content (an energy crop), or they can be made up of waste 
products from industries such as agriculture, food processing or 
timber production.
Source: www.goodenergy.co.uk
How does biomass generate energy 
cont.
Dry, combustible feedstocks such as wood pellets are burnt in 
boilers or furnaces. This in turn boils water and creates steam, 
which drives a turbine to generate electricity.
Source: www.goodenergy.co.uk
Flexible energy source
Bioenergy is a very flexible energy source. It can be turned up 
and down quickly to meet demand, making it a great backup for 
weather-dependent renewable technologies such as wind and 
solar.
Source: www.goodenergy.co.uk
Is bioenergy environmentally friendly 
and sustainable?
The overall sustainability and environmental benefits of bioenergy 
can depend on whether waste feedstocks or energy crops are 
being used.
Source: www.goodenergy.co.uk
Waste feedstocks
Waste biomass gives off gases naturally when it rots. If this 
happens in a place where there’s no oxygen, such as food waste 
buried deep within landfill, it can generate methane which is a 
much stronger greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.
Source: www.goodenergy.co.uk
Energy crops
Energy crops are grown specifically for generating energy. So, 
unlike capturing methane from waste, there isn’t an argument that 
burning them reduces greenhouse gases which would have been 
given off anyway.
Source: www.goodenergy.co.uk
Does Good Energy use bioenergy?
Our biogeneration procurement policy makes sure that we only 
contract with bioenergy generators that have sustainable and 
responsible generation practices.
Source: www.goodenergy.co.uk
Source of Bioenergy
• It must come from waste or sustainable sources
• Land must be used sustainably, respecting natural habitats 
and biodiversity
• Energy crops must not impact food production
• Animal welfare must be respected
• Transportation of biofuels should be minimised
• Biofuel generators should be highly efficient and able to put 
waste heat to good use
• Impacts on air quality must be appropriately managed
Source: www.goodenergy.co.uk