REDUCTION OF FOSSIL FUELS THROUGH ADOPTION OF GREENER ENERGY SOURCES

REDUCTION OF FOSSIL FUELS THROUGH ADOPTION OF GREENER ENERGY SOURCES: BIOMASS ENERGY RESOURCES
Daniel Contini
English

Abstract
Environmental and energy concerns are some of the major problems affecting the global economy today. The speedy rate at which fossil fuels emit greenhouse gasses such as carbon dioxide into the atmosphere has been presented as an issue of international concern. Fossil fuels, especially the raw oil, have been used for commercial purposes in different parts of the world and its continual supply has been influenced by distinct factors such as ecological, political, as well as economic. As a result of the negative effects of fossil fuels, various countries have invented alternative energy sources, among them being biomass technology. Biomass is a clean source of energy that promotes efficiency and sustainability, which are the two major things the world needs from an energy source. Research has been conducted on how to maximize on the use of biomass energy to meet the world’s growing need for energy at an affordable cost. Developing and developed nations are both committed to this course alike as evidenced in China using energy efficient stoves in rural areas and developed European countries adopting more efficient appliances to achieve the same goal.

Reduction of Fossil Fuels through Adoption of Greener Energy Sources: Biomass Energy Resources
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
This research emphasizes the use of biomass energy resources and the possible savings that are guaranteed through the use of greener and more environmentally friendly energy resources. There is a general consensus based on scientific evidence that the earth’s surface average temperature is rising at a considerable rate. This has been as a result of emission and concentration of greenhouse gasses such as carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which is released from burning of fossil fuels. The overall effect of burning fossil fuels leads to global warming that eventually brings about climate changes across the globe, posing considerable threats to humankind and the environment. Efficient energy consumption can be achieved through minimization of the energy demand by adopting greener and rational energy resources such as biomass energy resources (Salar, 2013). According to Tester (2005), biomass refers to all living matter and organic wastes derived from marine life, humans, plants, and animals. Best examples of biomass are animal dung, garbage, grasses, wood construction residues, and trees. Biomass was the world’s initial source of power, but with the increased industrialization, forests were getting depleted and coal, oil, and gas started taking over gradually. Biomass is carbon based and is composed of a mixture of organic molecules containing hydrogen, normally including oxygen atoms, nitrogen, and small amounts of other atoms like heavy metals, alkaline earth, and alkali. Biomass is constructed from carbon absorbed from atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) by plants through photosynthesis. When plants are consumed by plants, their biomass is converted into plant biomass. Therefore, the difference between fossil fuel and biomass is that of time scale (Tester, 2005).

Diagram 1: Biomass Cycle

Source: google.com
According to the diagram, plants convert atmospheric CO2 into biomass energy which is then burned in houses to give energy and emit carbon into the atmosphere. The emitted carbon is absorbed by new plants (forests) through photosynthesis to form plant biomass all over again. The process is continuous and sustainable. If animals feed on the plants, plant biomass energy is converted into animal biomass energy, which can be combusted to release atmospheric CO2 and the process repeats all over again.
Energy is a vital resource in the lives of humankind since it fosters the development and economic growth of the world’s nations. Fossil fuels, specifically natural gas and oil are limited to a certain extent and should be considered as depleting energy resources. Therefore, searching for new energy sources that are more environmentally friendly so as to meet the growing demand for energy across the world may be the only option. The urge for energy and environmental conservation has intensified among several nations in the world as they turn to green energy as an alternative source of fossil fuels. As a result of environmental degradation caused by fossil fuels, alternative sources of energy can be potentially helpful in assuring sustainable energy resources (Basu, 2013).
In the recent past, bio-energy has increasingly gained importance in many nations of the world in an attempt to prevent adverse climatic changes as a result of concentration of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. Bio-fuels, biogas, as well as woody fuels obtained from organic waste materials, can become alternative, reliable and sustainable sources of energy. These biomass energy resources have been considered to be environmentally friendly and have noteworthy potential in preventing global warming (Casper, 2010).
Rationing and energy conservation measures are among the primary strategies that should be adopted by most countries around the world in an attempt to reduce oil importation and correcting positions of balance of payments. Application of nuclear power and implementation of sustainable energy resources such as biomass, water, wind and solar energy may guarantee sufficient energy supply as an alternative to fossil fuels. Diverse energy resources are an important component of redressing acute energy sources among the world nations due to overreliance on depleting fossil fuels (Galarraga et al., 2011). Hence, this research paper seeks to examine how mankind has helped in reducing consumption of fossil fuels through the adoption of greener, more efficient energy sources, especially biomass energy, and how such steps are leading to a better life for human beings.
1.2 Statement of the problem
In the recent past, several nations in the world have realized the effects of environmental degradation and global warming due to emissions of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. Hence, most countries are turning to renewable sources of energy as a sustainable form of energy. Renewable sources of energy are environmentally friendly and guarantee safe living standards for humankind. Modern power plants such as hydropower and biomass energy resources have a crucial role to play in ensuring reliable and efficient sources of energy. Such resources have proved to be more feasible and significant in the development since power can be generated using locally available resources. Equally significant, renewable sources of energy are compatible with long-term demands for energy while assuring mankind of a safe and friendly environment (Galarraga et al., 2011).
1.3 Purpose of the research
The purpose of the research is to investigate ways in which mankind is helping in the reduction of the use of fossil fuels and some of the alternative sources of energy that have been developed to ensure an efficient and more environmentally friendly atmosphere. Biomass energy is of particular interest in this study as it has been adopted by several countries around the world owing to its efficiency and environmental friendliness.
1.4 Objectives of the research
• To analyze the utilization of efficient and renewable sources of energy as alternatives to using fossil fuels
• To analyze how use of minimum energy inputs maximizes energy yields
• To analyze how utilization and selection of proper plant materials as well as processes can ensure availability of efficient and reliable energy source

2.0 Overview
Sustainable sources of energy are vital for societal development. Energy supply requires renewable resources that are efficient and reliable in meeting long-term demands for energy at a reasonable cost while guaranteeing positive impacts to mankind. Sources of energy such as fossil fuels lack sustainability and are subject to depletion whereas renewable sources of energy are reliable, efficient and can be sustained for a relatively longer period (Galarraga et al., 2011). Further, in sustainable development, environmental concerns should also be considered, as activities that may lead to environmental degradation are not regarded as sustainable. As long as environmental impacts are embedded within energy, sustainability of energy resources calls for use of energy sources that would cause minimal effects as much as possible. A convenient way of ensuring reduction of the use of fossil fuels is adopting alternative sources of energy such as biomass energy resources. Energy efficiency demands accurate measures of energy conservation that takes into account quality, as well as quantity dimensions of energy flows (Evans, 2007).
2.1 Use of Energy and Environmental Impacts
According to Casper (2010), mankind has invented waste treatment technologies in an attempt to reduce fossil fuel and finding more environmentally friendly and sustainable energy sources. Some of the notable areas of producing Bioenergy from waste materials include bio-fuels, bio-heat, and biogas. Galarraga et al. (2011) argues that several measures need to be put into consideration when adopting bio-energy as an alternative use for fossil fuel. Overall carbon emission in the process of production of energy from biomass should be taken into account. According to Evans (2007), energy savings in both the developed and developing countries can be achieved through improved efficiency of the use of energy. He stresses that the environmental cost of selected energy source should be considered while adopting a specific energy resource. Therefore, energy conservation through the use of sustainable resources can help in assuring mankind of reliable and efficient sources of energy.
2.2 Utilization of Biomass
According to Galarraga et al. (2011), sustainable energy can be defined as the production and consumption of energy that has minimal adverse effects on human health and that guarantee healthy function of fundamental ecological systems. Further, he argues that renewable energy has been accepted by several nations as a sustainable form of energy that has minimal environmental effects to mankind. According to Salar (2013), a great potential of renewable sources should be considered along with the negative impact on relying on fossil fuel as a source of energy. Therefore, efficient sources of energy such as biomass resources should be deemed to guarantee long-term energy production. Casper (2010) points out explanations for the implementation of inefficient energy resources between the decision makers and the government agencies that lead to lowering implementation costs, as well as distribution effects of renewable sources of energy. There are three main methods of conversion of biomass to renewable energy, that is, liquidation, gasification and direct combustion of biomass.
2.2.1 Biomass Liquidation
Recent research conducted by Basu (2013) on liquidation of biomass points out three methods that can be used to convert biomass into efficient energy. These methods include mechanical, gasification, chemical and biochemical processes. Liquidation is the technique whereby the synthetic gas is gasified from woody fiber and converted to ethanol. Using the current synthetic technology known as the catalytic composition of methanol, ethanol is converted to methanol. Casper (2010), noted that, most developed countries have adopted the technology of liquidation and cracking of woody fiber to maximize the amount of energy generated from biomass technology.
2.2.2 Gasification
Barton (2007) suggests that biomass gasification is one of the optimum technologies used in biomass utilization. In this technique, thermal chemical process is used to transform biomass into combustible gas at high temperatures. The gas produced is used for thermal insulation, drying, electricity generation and heating. According to Salar (2013), China began to use biomass gasification technology in 1980, where appliances for biomass waste residue were invented to produce optimum energy. However, in the recent years, rubbish pyrolyses gasification technology has emerged in most developed nations such as the United States with a gasification efficiency of more than 80 percent. Rubbish is later decomposed to combustible gas comprising of carbon oxide and methane, as well as solid residues that may be used as fuel. Basu (2013) noted that the combustible gas obtained from biomass pyrolyses is used to generate electricity.
Similarly, Salar (2013), points out that the technology of biomass gasification has been widely used for production of biogas through anaerobic digestion. In developing countries such as India and China, the biomass technology has been used to generate electricity in rural areas to meet the demands of increased energy consumption. Due to its renewable nature, this source of energy has been preferred to the use of fossil fuels that are subject to depletion. Further, the technology has been considered to be environmentally friendly since waste materials can be recycled (Salar, 2013).
Diagram 2: Biomass Gasification

Source: Google.com
In the diagram above, wood is used in the gasification process to generate electrical energy for use in homes. The wood is combusted and then reduced to form gas that is passed on to a boiler. In the boiler, the gas is heated further to form steam at very high temperatures. The steam is fed into another chamber to turn a turbine that generates electrical energy in the generator. The electrical energy is stepped up by a transformer and then transmitted through electrical transmission and distribution lines to customers.
2.2.3 Direct Combustion
According to Basu (2013), direct combustion method of biomass technology has been widely used in the production of heat from biomass. In developing nations, the thermal efficiency of biomass direct combustion is estimated to range between 10 and 15 percent. As noted by Basu (2013), the Chinese population in rural areas is helping to reduce the use of fossil fuels through the use of thermal efficiency stoves. The stove contains combustion chamber, smoke circulation passage, air inlet, fire fencing ring and grate. The design helps in increasing thermal radiation intensity, minimize the loss of complete combustion, as well as the reflection in the chamber of combustion in the inner stove. However, in most advanced European nations, high-efficiency appliances for combustion have been adopted to generate maximum energy from biomass technology.
3.0 Prospects of Biomass Utilization
3.1 Current Situation
There is fear of depletion. Recent studies indicate that the natural gas, coal and oil reserves are limited, and people are in constant fear that the energy resources obtained from fossil fuels will get exhausted following their increased exploitation. Many countries are becoming more conscious of the problem with energy transition. Galarraga et al. (2011) argues that the continued use of fossil fuel has adverse effects on ecology and the environment, particularly the emission of greenhouse gasses such as carbon dioxide gas that may lead to global warming. Hence, this calls for mankind to put into consideration the dangers involved as a result of overreliance on fossil fuels. Thus, the focus should be diverted towards utilization and development of renewable energy sources such as biomass technology (Galarraga et al., 2011).
Basu (2013) noted that energy consumption among the developing nations has increased four folds over three decades, and it is expected to amplify at this rate. Although this rate may be important for the developing nations to improve their economic conditions and their population living standards, it may also be attributed to a shortage of conventional forms of energy resources and incessant environmental degradation. Hence, both third world countries and developed nations need to consider the exploitation, as well as utilization of biomass resources for energy to counter the ever-increasing demand for energy.
Additionally, developing nations should channel their resources in supporting technical measures that are necessary for the production of renewable energy. Agriculture, being one of the major economic activities in these nations, matter circulation renewing principle may be used to make proper utilization of agricultural and by-products, manure, as well as other plants and animal residues so as to attain manifold-stage efficiency of converting biomass to a renewable and efficient energy resource (Salar, 2013).
4.0 Conclusion
Presently, biomass has been considered as the most reliable source of energy due to the current improvement in science and technology. Energy generated by biomass is more than that produced from both nuclear and hydraulic energy. For instance, 14 percent of energy consumed in Sweden is generated from biomass technology (Casper, 2010). Similarly, biomass technology has been adopted in Holland, where 12 percent of energy consumed is generated from biomass. Further, in the United States of America approximately 9 billion Watts of electricity are generated from biomass technology. Equally significantly, in developing countries, nearly 35 percent of energy consumed is generated from biomass. Recent studies conducted on utilization of biomass technology indicate that Brazil has been leading in the production of biomass energy using maize and sugarcane to produce ethanol, and the annual output is estimated to reach 20 billion liters (Basu, 2013). Through the improvement in science and technology, biomass can be transformed into reliable thermal energy.

References
Barton, A. L. (2007). Focus on sustainable development research advances, New York, NY: NOVA Science Publishers, Inc.: 189-205.
Basu, P. (2013). Biomass gasification, pyrolysis and torrefaction: Practical design and theory. Amsterdam: Academic Press: 147-176.
Casper, J. K. (2010). Fossil fuels and pollution: The future of air quality. New York: Facts on File: (page 45-63).
Evans, R. L. (2007). Fueling our future: an introduction to sustainable energy. Cambridge University Press.
Galarraga, I., González-Eguino, M., & Markandya, A. (Eds.). (2011). Handbook of sustainable energy. Edward Elgar Publishing.
Salar, R. K. (2013). Biotechnology: Prospects and applications. New York, NY: Springer New York: (para 112).
Tester, J. W. (Ed.). (2005). Sustainable energy: choosing among options. MIT press.