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Global Utilization of Forest Biomass
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Rising Use of Bioenergy  
Biomass is the most important renewable energy source used in the world today.

Other renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and tide make up a very small fraction of the world total energy supply.  Biomass, on the other hand, corresponds to 10.6% of the world total energy supply and 79.4 % of the total renewable energy supply (8).

 

Currently, the most common way of using biomass is for generating electricity, but converting it to a liquid form is quickly becoming an important product. This is a positive sign that renewable sources of energy are gaining ground (9).
World Renewable Energy Supply by Source 2001
Source: IEA, Renewables Information
Copyright: Renewables Information 2006 @ OECD/IEA, 2006, [Figure Number 2], p. [3]

We are just beginning to realize new opportunities that are developing as we find alternatives to fossil fuel.  Given the amount of biomass that is already available in the forms of forest and agriculture residues, as well as the potential to grow more biomass, there is much more that can be done to enhance the use and production of bioenergy.  New technologies are likely to further increase the efficiency of biomass utilization.

 
 

 

 ©2007 National Learning Center for Private Forest and Range Landowners
"A program of the Cooperative Extension Service funded by the Renewable Resources Extension Act"
Last Updated: June 2, 2008