Biomass is a modern and promising source of energy, yet there are still many half-truths circulating about it. Let’s take a look at the five most common myths from the experts’ perspective.
Myth 1: Biomass is not environmentally friendly
Fact: Biomass is produced through photosynthetic assimilation and its use is considered carbon-neutral in terms of greenhouse gas emissions (Križan and Matúš, 2011). Unlike fossil fuels, the combustion of biomass does not increase the total amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, as the amount released is equal to that absorbed by the plant during its growth (Geffert, 2013).
Myth 2: Briquettes are worse than firewood
Fact: Quite the opposite. Compacted biofuels, such as briquettes, have a higher energy density and require less storage space (Križan and Matúš, 2011). Briquettes burn with a steady, even flame and, of all compressed products, burn the slowest, which is an advantage for many users (Matúš et al., 2022). Furthermore, their high density reduces their ability to absorb moisture from the air (Matúš and Križan, 2011).
Myth 3: Gasification is the same as combustion
Fact: These are fundamentally different processes. Whilst combustion takes place with a sufficient supply of oxygen, gasification is a thermochemical conversion in which oxygen is used only in a limited (non-stoichiometric) quantity (Najser, 2021). The result of gasification is not direct heat, but combustible synthesis gas (syngas), which can be further purified and used in engines (Najser, 2021).
Myth 4: Biomass produces more emissions
Fact: Direct combustion of biomass with a high ash content can be challenging, but it is precisely technologies such as gasification that enable higher efficiency and a significant reduction in environmental problems (Geffert, 2013). Furthermore, modern oxy-combustion technologies (using increased oxygen) can eliminate nitrogen emissions () and produce flue gases consisting solely of carbon dioxide and water vapour (Dudrik et al., 2011).
Myth 5: Only large companies stand to benefit from briquetting
Fact: Briquetting technology is, in fact, characterised by the lowest investment and energy requirements per unit of compacted material (Matúš et al., 2022). Thanks to the availability of low-energy compaction machines and modular disintegration equipment, it is possible to process biomass waste efficiently even in smaller facilities, thereby converting the waste into a high-grade fuel (Čačko et al., 2011; Beniak, 2011).
An illustrative image created using artificial intelligence (ChatGPT).
