Biomass & Air Pollution

Like other forms of renewable energy, such as wind or solar, biomass resources produce less emissions than their fossil fuel counterparts. Biomass contains less sulfur than coal, and consequently produces less SO2. Emissions of NOx are usually lower as well.

On a net basis, CO2 from biomass is lower than from a fossil plant. However, CO2 emissions are still significant. While biomass is plant derived and new plant growth will sequester CO2 rather than allowing it to be released into the atmosphere, there are still emissions associated with the combustion, harvesting, processing and transportation operations that are part of the biomass utilization cycle.

Using biomass derived from forest thinning activities also prevents this material from being burned in the open air with no pollution controls (known as pile burning). Similarly, agricultural residues can be used to produce power instead of being burned.

Biomass utilization may prevent the harmful effects that forest fires on the atmosphere by preventing their occurrence. Mercury, toxic materials and particular matter are released in forest fires. Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, nitrogen oxide, and other gases are emitted. Moreover, the burned vegetation can no longer sequester carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas.