Replacing unsustainable sources of energy like fossil fuels and natural gas with more environmentally friendly options is critical to combating climate change and reducing our country’s dependence on imported oil. While solar power and wind energy are great options, bioenergy is a promising new sector that governments, scientists, and economists are championing. Bioenergy is a renewable energy source derived from organic material like plant and animal waste, also known as biomass. Here, we’ll list some of the many benefits of using bioenergy to power our planet.
It provides energy security
Fossil fuels are imported into the US at a rate of 7.86 million barrels per day, with the country consuming about 25% of the world’s oil. Since bioenergy is a domestic resource, utilizing biofuels for transportation reduces the country’s dependency on foreign oil. Not only does this help to lower the cost of fuel, it also strengthens our energy security by lessening the threat of oil supply disruption caused by natural disasters or political turmoil.
It reduces greenhouse gas emissions
The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through the use of bioenergy has the potential to be greater than any other renewable energy source available. The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere by burning biomass is offset by the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by the plants and sequestered in the soil.
It is biodegradable
Since biomass is derived from organic matter like plant waste, bioenergy is naturally biodegradable. Unlike petroleum-based fuels, which are major pollutants to the air, land, and water, bioenergy is a clean resource that can be infinitely produced.
It supports the agricultural industry
Not only can bioenergy help reduce the cost of energy for agricultural purposes, it also provides a use for the natural plant and animal waste produced on farms. Waste can be converted into biomass, which farmers can utilize for their own energy needs or even as a revenue stream.
It creates jobs
Bioenergy production creates green jobs in manufacturing, agriculture, and other industries, already generating nearly $50 billion in revenue and almost 300,000 jobs. As technology continues to evolve and the industry grows, bioenergy is certain to create even more opportunity. By 2030, an estimated 1.1 million jobs in the bioenergy sector will be added to the US economy.
Bioenergy is beneficial for farmers
For farmers, biomass is already a natural by-product of agriculture, so utilizing bioenergy for farming energy sources is both practical and economical. Not only that, but farmers regularly producing plant and animal waste have the potential to profit from biomass by selling it to other industries.
Since 2006, FDCE has expanded our business into bioenergy and biofuel production. Click here to learn about FDCE’s role in the bioenergy sector, and contact us to learn more about how you can take advantage of this environmentally and economically friendly energy source.