Biomass energy generation in Xinjiang, China

Biomass feedstock can replace fossil fuels for generating heat and electricity. Only perennial biomass is advisable, offering a “bridge” solution to clean, renewable production.

 

Carbon-rich biomass can be harvested to produce heat, create steam for electricity production, or be processed into oil or gas. Doing so trades in carbon that is already in circulation, cycling from atmosphere to plants and back again. Grow plants and sequester carbon. Process and burn biomass. Emit carbon. Repeat. It produces net zero new emissions, so long as use and replenishment remain in balance.

 

By 2050, biomass power could avoid 2.5-3.6 gigatons of greenhouse gas emissions.