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Benefits of Biomass
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Energy Benefits of Biomass

The world as a whole and the United States, in particular, is facing an increasingly worrisome energy future. 


Take a look at how energy use breaks down around the world:

  • 80% of the total energy supply comes from fossil fuel sources
  • 13% from renewable energy sources
  • 7% from nuclear power (7).


Here in the U.S.

  • 86% of the total energy consumed comes from fossil fuels
  • 6% from renewable energy sources, and
  • 8% from nuclear power (2).

And the availability of fossil fuels is changing:

  • A rapidly industrializing world, with China and India in the lead, is significantly increasing the global demand for fossil fuel energy supplies.
  • Estimated recoverable reserves of coal, oil, and natural gas have only remained stable due to improved extraction technology.
  • Most of the largest oil fields in the world were discovered and brought into production decades ago and are facing serious, near-term declines in oil output.
  • Price increases for oil and natural gas are believed to be all but inevitable (4).

In the last 50 years, the consumption of energy in the United States has drastically increased. Approximately 100 quadrillion BTUs of energy were used by Americans in 2004 (3). (below left). As consumption increases (below right), renewable fuel sources could play a larger role in meeting the demands of consumers.  

 
 

Source: C.A. Mayfield, EIA, 2004

Public Domain

 

Source: C.A. Mayfield, EIA, 2004

Public Domain

The United States is particularly vulnerable to oil supply disruptions or price increases since it imports over 50% of its crude oil consumption. Crude oil is imported from Canada, Mexico, and Venezuela in addition to the Middle East (below). More efficient and effective utilization of biomass will increase the amount of renewable energy sources used and help to lessen the dependence on fossil fuels and foreign supplies of fossil fuels.

 

Given the conditions of fossil fuel, biomass emerges as an attractive modern energy source provided it can be economically utilized. All types of energy services can and are being provided today using biomass, with the reliability, safety, and efficiency required by the modern economy and society. Many countries have realized the need to improve the efficiency of energy generation, distribution, and consumption, and are beginning to harness local resources as a way to increase the security of the energy supply, reverse fossil fuel dependency, and improve trade balance. 

 

 

 

Oil Supply in the United States

EIA Petroleum Supply Annual 2002, Vol. 1

Public Domain

           
 

 

 ©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: November 11, 2007