Fuels from biomass

An introduction to fuels from biomass

Fuels from biomass comprise the largest exploited source of renewable energy globally. In 2004, biomass accounted for 10.6% of the world’s primary energy supply, providing 1,172 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe). Roughly two thirds of this is made up of “traditional” biomass used in the developing world for heating and cooking, mostly non-sustainable firewood. This proportion is set to decline in coming years as the total contribution of biomass increases.

In the UK biomass provides 5.3 Mtoe, which equates to 3.2% of primary energy demand and accounts for 83% of energy from renewable sources . Most of this is used in electricity generation.

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