ARBA MINCH UNIVERSITY INSTITUTION OF WATER

TECHNOLOGY

FACULITY OF WATER SUPPLY AND ENVIROMENTAL

ENGINEERING

SMALL SCALE HYDROPOWER ASSIGNMENT

G5 WSEE, SECTION – B

GROUP – 1

SUBMITTED TO: - Mr. Yenalem

Submission Date: - 25/09/2015 Ec
Group name ID NO
1. Aklilu Stotaw …………………………. 184/11
2. Omer Adem …………………………. 1503/11
3. Samuel Tafese ………………………… 1585/11
4. Firaol Lemi …………………………791/11
5. Anteneh Gashahew ………………………250/11
6. Ibsa Junda ……………………….1015/11
7. Hayat Menbere ……………………….961/11
 SOLAR AND BIOMAS ENERGY

Definition of solar energy

Solar energy is harnessed from the sun in the form of electromagnetic radiation (light, heat,
and ultraviolet rays). By installing solar panels or collectors, it can be used to capture thermal
energy (photothermal) or to generate electricity (photovoltaic).
Solar energy is one of the main types of renewable energy, and it plays a key role in the
transition. It helps promote cleaner economies that protect the environment, improve people’s
well-being, and ensure the sustainability of companies.
Technological breakthroughs have transformed solar energy into one of the most efficient and
affordable in the renewable sector. This unlimited energy source, in addition to contributing to
the sustainability of the planet, attracts investment, creates jobs, and increases the
competitiveness of companies.
At a time when our caring for our planet and the environment is a priority, we should be aware
of the different types of solar energy, how they work, and how their use can be extended as a
source of electricity generation.
Solar energy is the ultimate and best form of renewable energy. According to scientists,
sunlight energy is a complete solution of present energy crisis because the amount of solar
energy incident on Earth in 1 h is equivalent to the total amount of energy consumed by humans
each year. Moreover, solar energy is extremely environment friendly because it can reduce 40
million tons of CO2 emissions each year with the inception of solar grids that meet only 1% of
electric energy demand around world. Currently, solar cells, solar power plants and solar
collectors are some of the practical applications of harvesting solar energy to fulfil clean energy
demand of world.
The advent of nanoscience and nanotechnology has profoundly improved the conventional
procedures of harvesting natural light energy. In the past, the absorption capacity of fluids used
in solar devices was a big issue, but with the use of nanotechnology it is effectively resolved
because the nanoparticles provide large surface area to catch, store and exchange large amount
of solar energy by effectively exposing conducting surfaces. Furthermore, in order to make
these devices economically feasible, photovoltaic processes are used to directly convert
photons of solar energy into electricity. In the recent years, the major contribution of
nanotechnology in this filed is the formation of active and passive solar systems. The active
solar systems involve the use of solar energy for the generation of heat and electric energy,
while passive system (also known as climatic design) take advantage of local climate through

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construction of windows, walls and floors that collect, stock and distribute heat energy in
winters and decline in summer season.
For solar energy to be considered as major renewable energy contributor, the devices used in
its generation must be improved in terms of their performance because the revolutionary
developments in this field are possible only if conversion, storage and utilization are done
effectively. In coming years, it is expected that nanotechnology devices for solar energy harvest
would be radically more effective and efficient than today and the dream of solar economy
would become a reality.
Types of solar energy
Thermal and photovoltaic solar energy are the two most commonly known types, but there are
other applications that are just as interesting such as:
Photovoltaic solar energy
This type of energy is harvested using a photovoltaic system, which is an installation that
produces electrical energy using photovoltaic modules, capable of transforming solar radiation
directly into electrical energy. Solar panels contain photovoltaic cells that when they receive
direct light, they ionize and release electrons that interact with each other and generate an
electrical current.
PV solar energy has gained significant momentum in recent years with the arrival of solar
communities and the energy savings brought about by the new solar self-consumption
installations.
Thermal solar energy
Solar thermal equipment uses solar collectors to convert solar radiation into heat. These
collectors are used to collect and store solar radiation to heat water that is later used to support
heating or hot water systems for hygienic, residential, or industrial use.
There’s another option called Concentrated Solar Power (CSP). In this case, the system works
with a series of lenses or mirrors that concentrate sunlight on a specific surface. The energy
generated by this process is used to produce electricity by using the heat to boil water to
produce steam and power, for example, the turbines of a generator.
Passive solar energy
In the case of passive solar energy, the sun's energy is harnessed directly by means of materials
and construction solutions, without the need to transform it into other types of energy, as we
have seen in previous cases (which could be considered active).

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Passive solar technology is a fundamental part of eco-design and bioclimatic architecture, and
its main use is the heating of living spaces. Natural lighting, either direct or by means of light
tubes (with mirrors inside), can also be considered an example of a passive application of solar
energy.
Hybrid solar energy
types of solar energy are combined with other energies, mainly renewable ones, in order to
achieve a greater energy supply.
The most common example is the in this combination of solar and wind energy. Hybrid
photovoltaic and wind systems combine solar panels with wind turbines, making the most of
the sun and wind resources.
advantages of solar energy
Solar energy is a source of clean energy that helps to significantly reduce the carbon footprint.
These are some of its benefits:
Unlimited
Solar energy is a source that's totally renewable as it comes from a long-lasting and unlimited
source: the sun.
Clean
Solar energy doesn't release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere or waste therefore it's a 100%
clean source
Completely silent
It's a type of energy that doesn't produce any noise pollution as it's generation process is
completely silent.
Accessible
Lastly, solar energy systems are easy to install and adapt to any place, even in geographically
remote areas.
The more we can capture the benefits of solar energy, the less we will rely on fossil fuels.
Adding a solar energy system to your home allows you to tap into these solar energy
advantages:
1. Solar energy is a renewable energy source and reduces carbon emissions
Solar energy is a renewable energy source, meaning you don’t ever use it up. Solar energy is
clean. It creates no carbon emissions or other heat-trapping “greenhouse” gases. It avoids the
environmental damage associated with mining or drilling for fossil fuels. Furthermore, solar

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energy also uses little to no water, unlike power plants that generate electricity using steam
turbines.
2. Solar energy can reduce your home’s electricity bill
A solar energy system for your home can reduce your reliance on the grid and help you save
on your electricity bill. Some owners of residential solar energy systems may even have excess
power that they can sell to the utility. Instead of paying a utility for electricity, homeowners
get paid by the utility. You may not have to buy an entire solar energy system to cut your
home’s electricity bill. Simply choose solar lights, lights that are powered by the sun instead
of your home’s electrical system, to help save money.
3. Solar power can get you money back through Solar Renewable Energy Credits
Some states offer solar renewable energy certificates (SREC). Each one represents a megawatt-
hour of electricity generated through solar energy. Electricity suppliers buy these certificates
to satisfy their state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard, a requirement that a certain amount of
their renewable energy come from solar. You can sell SRECs for your system's output, which
is another way to earn money from your investment.
4. Homes with solar panels installed may improve home value
Home buyers will likely pay more for a house with solar panels installed. Considering solar
energy pros and cons, the savings on electricity bills and the money earned selling power back
to the utility, all count in the plus column. Residential solar energy systems are highly valued
and can increase a home's resale value.
Solar systems are fairly easy to install and require very little maintenance. Both are handled by
your solar provider, if you opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). Consider
this as you ask yourself is solar energy worth it.
5. Solar panels have low maintenance costs
Solar panels are easy to maintain, as they have no moving parts that wear out over time. Just
keep them clean and in good physical condition to keep them working properly. Between their
low maintenance costs and average lifespan of 25 years, it can be easy to get your money’s
worth when investing in solar panels.
6. Solar energy can generate electricity in any climate
Solar energy systems can generate electricity in any climate. One of the disadvantages of solar
energy is that it’s subject to temporary weather disruption. Cloudy days reduce the amount of
electricity you produce. Cold, however, doesn’t affect productivity. Snowfall can actually help

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your solar system, as the snow cleans the panels as it melts and sun reflected off the snow
increases the amount of light hitting your panels. The result is more electricity production.

Disadvantages of Solar Energy

The disadvantages of solar energy are becoming fewer as the industry advances and grows,
creating economies of scale. Technological advances are helping solar go mainstream. Here
are how the disadvantages of solar energy and the pros and cons stack up.
1. The high initial costs of installing panels
The most commonly cited solar energy disadvantage, cost, is declining as the industry expands.
The initial cost to buy and install the equipment is not cheap. Still, if cost is an issue, leasing
options may reduce the amount of your initial outlay. If you do choose to buy, you will need
to live in your home for a number of years before the system pays for itself. It’s a long-term
investment better suited to property owners than renters.
2. Solar energy storage is expensive
The disadvantages of solar energy, the temporary decline in energy production during bad
weather has been a major issue. Days with low solar energy, however, are having less of an
effect due to advances in battery technology. Old technology for storing solar energy, like lead
acid batteries are being replaced by alternatives. Lithium-ion batteries offer greater power at a
lower cost. Nickel-based batteries have an extremely long life. New technologies, like flow
batteries, promise scale and durable power storage.

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3. Solar doesn’t work for every roof type

Not every room will work well with solar panels. Orientation matters. If your roof doesn't face
the sun, you won’t be able to capture enough solar energy. Roofs that angle into the sun tend
to work better than flat roofs.
Roofing materials like asphalt shingles, metal and tiles make installing solar panels easier. If
your room is made with other materials, installation may be more expensive. Part of what
makes energy-efficient roofs is their ability to support solar panels.
4. Solar panels are dependent on sunlight
It’s obvious that solar panels need sunlight to generate electricity. They won’t produce
electricity at night when you need it for light and they can be inefficient during storms and
gloomy days. Your solar energy system needs batteries if you plan to fully depend on solar
energy to power your home.
Batteries are one of the more expensive components of your system. Unlike solar panels, they
do wear out and need careful maintenance to lengthen their lives. Comparing wind power vs.
solar power, wind will keep generating electricity at night and during storms, as long as there
is enough wind. Many people use both in residential systems.
OBJECTIVE OF SOLAR ENERGY
The objectives of a solar power plant are as follows: -
1. Energy Savings: - Solar utilizes lower
powered items such as LED / CFL lamps, lower powered electronics, etc. that do not use as
much power as standard electric systems.
Solar energy is the future of our upcoming generation. It is safe and a greener and economical alternative.
Moreover, it can be replenished so it serves as a renewable source of energy. As a result, it does not cause
pollution. Thus, we must try to use solar energy more and more to save our planet earth
Solar power works by converting energy from the sun into power. There are two forms of
energy generated from the sun for our use – electricity and heat.
Both are generated through the use of solar panels, which range in size from residential rooftops
to ‘solar farms’ stretching over acres of rural land.
solar power is a renewable and infinite energy source that creates no harmful greenhouse gas
emissions – as long as the sun continues to shine, energy will be released.

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Environmental Impact Assessment of solar energy

Solar energy technologies and power plants do not produce air pollution or greenhouse gases
when operating. Using solar energy can have a positive, indirect effect on the environment
when solar energy replaces or reduces the use of other energy sources that have larger effects
on the environment. However, there are environmental issues related to the production and use
of solar energy technologies.
Solar energy technologies require use of materials, such as metals and glass, that are energy
intensive to make. The environmental issues related to the production of these materials could
be associated with solar energy systems when conducting life-cycle or so-called cradle-to-
grave environmental analysis. Studies conducted by a number of organizations and researchers
have concluded that PV systems can produce the equivalent amount of energy that was used to
manufacture the systems within 1 to 4 years. Most PV systems have operating lives of up to 30
years or more.
There are hazardous chemicals used to make photovoltaic (PV) cells and panels that must be
carefully handled to avoid release to the environment. Some types of PV cell technologies use
heavy metals, and these types of cells and PV panels may require special handling when they
reach the end of their useful life. Some solar thermal systems use potentially hazardous fluids
to transfer heat, and leaks of these materials could be harmful to the environment. U.S.
environmental laws regulate the use and disposal of hazardous materials. The U.S. Department
of Energy is supporting various efforts to address end-of-life issues related to solar energy
technologies, including the recovery and recycling of the materials used to manufacture PV
cells and panels. Several states have enacted laws that encourage recycling of PV panels.
As with any type of power plant, large solar power plants can affect the environment at or near
their locations. Clearing land for construction and the placement of the power plant may have
long-term effects on the habitats of native plants and animals. However, installing solar energy
systems on land with marginal agricultural value or integrating solar energy systems on farms
may provide a variety of economic and environmental benefits to farmers.
Some solar power plants may require water for cleaning solar collectors and concentrators or
for cooling turbine generators. Using large volumes of ground water or surface water for
cleaning collectors in some arid locations may affect the ecosystems that depend on these water
resources. In addition, the beam of concentrated sunlight a solar power tower creates can kill
birds and insects that fly into the beam.

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What is Solar’s environmental impact assessment?

Solar panels produce zero emissions once installed on your roof, which means their
environmental impact is negligible for most of their life. However, solar panels aren’t zero-
emissions resources for their entire lifetime – as they have to be manufactured in a factory first,
as well as recycled at the end of their useful life. These two processes are where solar actually
has an environmental impact.
Many researchers frame the environmental impact of solar energy with the concept of energy
payback time, or EPBT. The EPBT tells us how long it will take for solar panels to produce
enough clean electricity to “pay back” the energy that was used to produce them. This
calculation varies depending on a few different factors, including:
The productivity of your solar panels – If you live in an area that has lots of sunlight, and your
solar panels are very efficient, then your system will generate more electricity and have a
shorter EPBT.
How your solar panels are produced – Some solar panels require more energy to produce than
others. For example, thin-film modules have a smaller footprint than silicon modules, because
less energy is needed to manufacture them.
Where your solar panels are made – Solar panels have to be transported from where they were
made to where they will be installed. If your solar panels were manufactured in Europe or Asia
but installed in the U.S. then they had to be transported further, requiring more energy usage
and thus increasing their EPBT.
Examples of solar energy
1. Solar Photovoltaic Technology
Converts sunlight directly into electricity to power homes and businesses.
2.Passive Solar Technology
Provides light and harnesses heat from the sun to warm our homes and businesses in winter.
3.Solar Water Heating
Harnesses heat from the sun to provide hot water for homes and businesses.
4.Solar Process Heat
Uses solar energy to heat or cool commercial and industrial buildings.
5.Concentrating Solar Power
Harnesses heat from the sun to provide electricity for large power stations.

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Existing of solar energy

Solar energy is constantly flowing away from the sun and throughout the solar system. Solar
energy warms the Earth, causes wind and weather, and sustains plant and animal life.
The energy, heat, and light from the sun flow away in the form of electromagnetic radiation
(EMR).
The electromagnetic spectrum exists as waves of different frequencies and wavelengths. The
frequency of a wave represents how many times the wave repeats itself in a certain unit of time.
Waves with very short wavelengths repeat themselves several times in a given unit of time, so
they are high-frequency. In contrast, low-frequency waves have much longer wavelengths.
The vast majority of electromagnetic waves are invisible to us. The most high-frequency waves
emitted by the sun are gamma rays, X-rays, and ultraviolet radiation (UV rays). The most
harmful UV rays are almost completely absorbed by Earth’s atmosphere. Less potent UV rays
travel through the atmosphere, and can cause sunburn.
Biomass energy
Biomass is matter from recently living organisms which is used for bioenergy production.
Examples include wood, wood residues, energy crops, agricultural residues, and organic waste
from industry and households. Wood and wood residues is the largest biomass energy source
today. Wood can be used as a fuel directly or processed into pellet fuel or other forms of fuels.
Other plants can also be used as fuel, for instance maize, switchgrass, miscanthus and
bamboo.[2] The main waste feedstocks are wood waste, agricultural waste, municipal solid
waste, and manufacturing waste. Upgrading raw biomass to higher grade fuels can be achieved
by different methods, broadly classified as thermal, chemical, or biochemical.
Biomass energy produces heat and/or electricity by incinerating organic material that comes
from either plants or animals. The organic material from animals consists of manure from cows,
horses or chickens. And many indigenous populations in the Andes Mountain range of South
America collect waste from their llamas and alpacas. Once it's collected, it is dried into a
petrified state, then incinerated to heat their homes, boil water and cook food. In other parts of
the world, the same process may occur. For organic plant material, the process of incineration
is the same. Organic plant material, once dried, can become a fuel used to generate energy in
the form of heat.
Biomass has been in use since people first began burning wood to cook food and keep warm.
Wood is still the largest biomass energy resource today. Other sources include food crops,
grassy and woody plants, residues from agriculture or forestry, oil-rich algae, and the organic

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component of municipal and industrial wastes. Even the fumes from landfills (which contain
methane, the main component in natural gas) can be used as a biomass energy source.
Biomass can be used for fuels, power production, and products that would otherwise be made
from fossil fuels.
NREL's vision is to develop technology for biorefineries that will convert biomass into a range
of valuable fuels, chemicals, materials, and products—much like oil refineries and
petrochemical plants do.
Types of biomasses
We can classify biomass into three main groups
1. Natural biomass
It is produced in nature without human intervention
2. Residual biomass
It is organic waste produced by human activity. For example, solid urban waste or that which
comes from agricultural, livestock, or industrial activities. This, in turn, can be classified as
wet or dry.
3. Biomass produced by energy crops
It is those crops whose purpose is the use of energy and in which a specific species is planted
to maximize the production of living matter.
Advantages of biomass
Biomass is a renewable resource
Biomass is an abundant resource: organic matter surrounds us, from forests and croplands to
waste and landfills. All biomass originally gets its energy from the sun – thanks to
photosynthesis, biomass resources regrow in a relatively short time span compared to fossil
fuel resources that take hundreds of millions of years to replenish. As such, we won’t run out
of biomass to use for energy production.
Biomass helps reduce waste
Landfills have a number of negative impacts on the environment, including contamination of
nearby air, soil and water, and the emission of greenhouse gases.
Many products that end up in landfills are hazardous and toxic; depending on how these
materials are managed, they can end up contaminating our land, air, and water, which
eventually leads to adverse environmental and human health consequences.

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Additionally, landfills are a large contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in our atmosphere.
When organic matter in landfills decomposes, it emits methane–one of the most potent
greenhouse gases–as well as carbon dioxide and other compounds.
Diverting waste to biomass energy plants instead of landfills not only helps reduce the size of
landfills and alleviates these risks, but also takes materials that would otherwise sit around and
uses them productively.
Biomass is a reliable source of electricity
In many instances, biomass energy plants are dispatchable, meaning they can easily be turned
on or off. This allows electricity grid operators to use electricity from these plants during times
of peak demand.
Bioenergy is not intermittent or variable unlike other sources of renewable energy like solar
and wind: the sun isn’t always shining, and the wind isn’t always blowing. In the absence of
storage technologies, you can’t always use solar or wind energy when you need it. In
comparison, while the availability of some biomass resources may be susceptible to
seasonality, biomass energy plants can always turn on to provide power, regardless of the
weather outside.
Disadvantages of biomass
1. Costs
Outside of the upfront costs to get the plants up and running, there are additional costs
associated with extracting, transporting, and storing biomass prior to electricity generation.
This is an added cost that other renewable technologies don’t need to account for, seeing as
they rely on free, on-site resources (tides, sunshine, wind, etc.) for fuel.
Costs can vary widely from biomass energy plant to biomass energy plant, and in some cases,
bioenergy has the potential to be cost-competitive with solar and wind. Overall costs largely
depend on the type of biomass and how it’s converted to electricity. That said, even though
biomass is often more expensive than alternative renewable energy options, the most expensive
types of bioenergy are still on-par with or cheaper than fossil fuels: bioenergy does not require
drilling into the earth, which carries a high capital (and environmental) cost.
2. Space requirements
Biomass energy plants require quite a bit of space, limiting the areas you can place a plant.
Oftentimes, companies also need to place these plants in close proximity to their source of
biomass to cut down on transportation and storage costs.

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Additional space may also be necessary to grow the organic matter itself; if power companies
are growing crops or trees for the sole purpose of bioenergy, rather than using agricultural
waste, this contributes to a larger land footprint per unit of electricity production.
3. Adverse environmental impacts
Like many other forms of energy, producing electricity from biomass can come with a number
of environmental downsides.
For one, depending on the type of biomass used to generate electricity, unsustainable bioenergy
practices can result in deforestation over time. Companies that clear-cut forests to provide
material for biomass energy plants harm the natural environment and disrupt the habitats of
plants and animals in the process. Clearing plants and organic material from the earth can also
impact the health of surrounding soil that requires biomass for compost and fertilization.
Growing crops for the sole purpose of bioenergy resources also requires a good amount of
water: all plants need water to grow, and continuous irrigation of these resources can make an
area more vulnerable to drought.
Additionally, while oftentimes viewed as an environmentally-friendly alternative to coal,
producing electricity from biomass does release pollutants into the air, such as carbon dioxide,
nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and more. In some cases, the emissions and
pollutants from biomass can be worse than those from fossil fuel resources. These pollutants
have adverse impacts on environmental and human health.
The environmental and health consequences of bioenergy can be minimized through a number
of efforts, including more sustainable land-use practices, re-planting efforts, and technological
innovation.
Using biomass for energy has positive and negative effects
Biomass and biofuels made from biomass are alternative energy sources to fossil fuels—coal,
petroleum, and natural gas. Burning either fossil fuels or biomass releases carbon dioxide
(CO2), a greenhouse gas. However, the plants that are the source of biomass for energy capture
almost the same amount of CO2 through photosynthesis while growing as is released when
biomass is burned, which can make biomass a carbon-neutral energy source.1
Burning wood
Using wood, wood pellets, and charcoal for heating and cooking can replace fossil fuels and
may result in lower CO2 emissions overall. Wood can be harvested from forests, from woodlots
that have to be thinned, or from urban trees that fall down or have to be cut down.

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Wood smoke contains harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide and particulate matter.
Modern wood-burning stoves, pellet stoves, and fireplace inserts can reduce the amount of
particulates from burning wood. Wood and charcoal are major cooking and heating fuels in
poor countries, but if people harvest the wood faster than trees can grow, it causes deforestation.
Planting fast-growing trees for fuel and using fuel-efficient cooking stoves can help slow
deforestation and improve the environment.
The environmental impacts of burning biomass for electricity are well documented. When
power plants use biomass as fuel—in particular biomass that comes from forests—they can
increase carbon emissions compared to coal and other fossil fuels for decades. The biomass
industry also imperils some of our most precious forests. But this week, it’s the medical and
public health community that’s speaking out about the ills of biopower. In a powerful new
letter signed by the Allergy & Asthma Network, American Academy of Pediatrics, American
Lung Association, American Public Health Association, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of
America, National Association of County & City Health Officials, National Environmental
Health Association, and Physicians for Social Responsibility, the health community’s message
is clear:
Existing of biomass
The terms biomass and bioenergy are prevalent words in a modern world looking for clean
energy. In fact, they are accountable for 98% of renewable energy generation (60% – wood
derivatives, 32% – biofuels, 7% – biomass waste.) Likely, most people reading this have
probably come across the terms at least once or twice before. Despite the popularity of these
terms, there is still a lot of uncertainty and misinformation surrounding them. Many are under
the impression that biomass and bioenergy are a modern form of energy and that the biomass
energy transition is something new. It could not be further from the truth. The history of
biomass dates back to humankind’s roots. We are going to break down what biomass is and
have a short review of its history
Biomass in the Modern World
As things currently stand, modern biomass energy production is a vital source of renewable
energy. In fact, it has gone far beyond wind energy and solar energy in the search for
renewables. It is the leading source of alternative energy. Biomass feedstock is processed and
converted to energy in a number of different ways. While burning woody biomass (forest
biomass materials, wood pellets, etc.) remains the most popular way we use this renewable
energy resource, there have been massive strides in the field of biomass energy. Innovation has

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brought us energy crops that are mass-produced and are converted into biofuel and biogas, and
landfills that use anaerobic digestion to convert biomass into biogas for everyday use.
Governments worldwide have embraced the green movement and are putting measures and
protocols in place to raise awareness and ensure there is a lot moregreen energy generated. As
we move forward, it is expected that the field of biomass renewable energy technology grows.
Biomass is predicted to play a vital role in future energy-efficient power generation. Whether
it produces electricity, heat, or fuel for transport, its carbon-neutrality carries many potentials.
Renewable energy, be it in the form of solar power, geothermal energy, hydroelectric power,
wind turbine energy, or biomass is here to stay.
Biomass sources for energy include:
Wood and wood processing wastes—firewood, wood pellets, and wood chips, lumber and
furniture mill sawdust and waste, and black liquor from pulp and paper mills
Agricultural crops and waste materials—corn, soybeans, sugar cane, switchgrass, woody
plants, and algae, and crop and food processing residues, mostly to produce biofuels
Biogenic materials in municipal solid waste—paper, cotton, and wool products, and food, yard,
and wood wastes.
Animal manure and human sewage for producing biogas/renewable natural gas
Biomass Energy Examples
Our list comprises of eight different biomass examples. Where appropriate, we have described
the bioenergy technologies used with each of them.
1. Wood
First up in our list of the different types of biomasses is wood. This is the main source of
biomass that power companies use to generate electricity. It can be burnt in order to produce
steam which can then drive a turbine in order to generate power.
2. Food Crops
Second in our list of biomass energy examples are food crops. Many of these are suitable for
use in biofuels such as bioethanol and biodiesel. They are less likely to be used for power
generation. When we use food crops as biomass, they are sometimes referred to as ‘energy
crops.
3. Animal Waste
Animal waste is another source of biomass. Solid animal waste, liquid slurry, and used bedding
can all be collected and processed into biogas.

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Animal waste that can be used as biomass.

Animal waste like this can be used as a type of biomass.
Biogas is created inside an anaerobic digester. This is a sealed chamber which removes oxygen
and heats the biomass in order to help speed up decomposition. During decomposition, methane
is released and then captured as biogas later use.
4. Human Waste
Like animal waste, we can also use human waste as a type of biomass. Whilst this is less
common, some waste treatment plants are starting to make use of human waste to produce
biogas. The process for this is very similar to animal waste and uses an anaerobic digester
(biodigester) to capture biogas.
5. Garden Waste
Yes, we can even use the waste from our own gardens as a source of biomass energy.
Everything from grass clippings to compost, weeds and plant stems can be considered a type
of biomass. Some farmers also grow hay fields for the purpose of biomass
6. Hemp
Hemp is another one of the main types of biomasses. Whilst we often relate hemp to the
production of marijuana, the biofuel industry also makes use of the plant.
Whilst starchy food crops are used to create standard bioethanol, plant fibers (such as those
found in hemp) can also be used to produce a variation of it known as ‘cellulosic ethanol’.
7. Municipal Waste
We also consider municipal waste to be a source of biomass due to the contents of the waste.
Every day, businesses and households dispose of vast quantities of waste, some of which will
contain organic matter such as food.
Municipal waste is sometimes burnt for power production and many power companies have
converted traditional coal, oil, and gas power plants to burn rubbish instead. This is known as
Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) and although it is not considered 100% biomass, it does involve
some organic matter.
8. Landfill Gas
Last in our list of biomass examples and closely related to our previous point on municipal
waste is landfill gas. Whilst garbage can be used in the RDF process, it can also produce natural
gas when left to rot at a landfill site.

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 SOLAR AND BIOMAS ENERGY

Landfill gas is almost identical to biogas and is produced naturally at landfill sites as waste
decomposes. Some waste companies have adapted their landfill sites in order to collect this gas
which can then be used in the same way as biogas.
Objectives of biomass
Generating energy that produces no greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels and reduces
some types of air pollution
Diversifying energy supply and reducing dependence on imported fuels
Creating economic development and jobs in manufacturing, installation, and more

Recommendation of solar and biomass energy

addition, solar panels have efficiencies as high as 19%, meaning that much of the sun’s energy
is converted into electricity. The efficiency of biomass is much, much lower – perhaps less than
1%. Solar energy is at par with the grid tariffs for most commercial and industrial consumers
in India. If you’ve been thinking about going solar, now is the time to make the change.
Government financial incentives are still ripe for the picking, and you stand to gain a lot as one
of the early adopters of solar energy. Adding solar power plant in your factory is an excellent
project for several reasons: You’ll save loads on electricity, you’ll reduce your carbon
footprint; and if you’re installing in a remote location (such as a cabin), you’ll have much less
to worry about than you would with a gasoline generator. You’ll also support a growing
industry, and in doing so, help contribute to the worldwide adoption of this wonderful new
energy source.

CONCULUSION
Solar energy is the ultimate and best form of renewable energy. According to scientists, sunlight energy is a
complete solution of present energy crisis because the amount of solar energy incident on Earth in 1 h is
equivalent to the total amount of energy consumed by humans each year. Moreover, solar energy is
extremely environment friendly because it can reduce 40 million tons of CO2 emissions each year with the
inception of solar grids that meet only 1% of electric energy demand around world. Currently, solar cells,
solar power plants and solar collectors are some of the practical applications of harvesting solar energy to
fulfil clean energy demand of world.

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