Biomass is a general definition used for all biological materials (microorganisms and macroorganisms such as plants, animals, algae, etc.) obtained from living or dead but non-fossilized organisms. Biomass depends on solar power. Plants and algae use sunlight to transform carbon dioxide and water into glucose. As a result of this photosynthesis, solar energy is converted into chemical binding energy, and biomass is produced. Biomass is a sustainable energy source.

What is biomass energy?

Biomass energy is produced by directly or indirectly processing biomass using different methods. Direct energy production is done by burning biomass into heat or electricity. Biomass energy can also be produced indirectly by biomass biofuels (biodiesel, biogas, bioethanol, etc.).

What are biomass sources?

Biomass is either of plant or animal origin. The most common sources of biomass are oilseed crops (soybean, canola, sunflower, etc.), sugar and starch-containing crops (wheat, corn, etc.), fiber crops (flax, hemp, etc.), agricultural residues (twigs, straw, roots, bark, etc.) and forest waste.

Sources of animal biomass include animal waste, food waste from animal husbandry facilities, and slaughterhouse waste. In addition, organic waste also serves as a source of biomass. The biomass sources in this category include domestic and industrial wastewater, sewage sludge, industrial waste, and municipal solid waste (MSW).

Biomass resources are classified as first, second, third, and fourth-generation biomass.

First-generation biomass comes from food sources such as sugar beet, sugar cane, wheat, corn, and oilseeds (sunflower, soybeans, etc.). To avoid reducing food stocks and harming biodiversity, first-generation biomass is limited and is not used primarily to produce energy and biofuels.

Second-generation biomass sources are feedstocks not used as food, such as wood, grass, straw, agricultural waste, and forestry waste.

Third-generation biomass sources are micro and macroalgae.

Fourth-generation biomass is derived from plants or biomass designed explicitly for efficient bioenergy production.

How is electricity generated from biomass?

The properties of biomass differ depending on its nature and source. Conversion processes can also be affected by different biomass sources.

Typically, physical pretreatments such as drying, grinding, and pelletizing are applied in the first stage. The main objective of these processes is to ensure that the biomass is homogeneously structured, to reduce the need for storage space, and to minimize material losses.

Biomass can be used for heat and electricity generation through direct combustion. In this method, heat is obtained by burning biomass and used to produce steam. Electricity is then generated by the flow of the steam produced through the turbines.

“Biomass can be used for heat and electricity generation through direct combustion. In this method, heat is obtained by burning biomass and used to produce steam. Electricity is then generated by the flow of the steam produced through the turbines.”

Biogas is another method used to generate electricity from biomass. Biogas is produced by the decomposition of biomass by anaerobic organisms through anaerobic digestion, that is, decomposition or biodegrading. A biogas plant can process animal manure, green crops, agricultural industry waste, and slaughterhouse waste into fuel gas. Biogas can be used in gas stoves, lamps, or engines like natural gas. The content of biogas consists of 50-75% methane, 25-45% carbon dioxide, 2-8% water vapor, and small amounts of O2, N2, NH3, H2, and H2S. Biogas is a gas that can be used as fuel in internal combustion engines and converted into mechanical energy. The mechanical energy of the internal combustion engine feeds the generator. So, the electric power is generated in the generators.

We are also moving toward clean energy in our Refinery Business Unit. We're producing jet fuel from biomass in the STAR refinery. As we contribute to the national economy through biofuel from microalgae, we also take action to ensure a sustainable future.