Biomass is a renewable energy source, from biological material whether living, or recently living organisms (like plants). Biomass is one of the renewable energy source because the energy it contains comes from the sun. Through the process of photosynthesis, plants capture the sun's energy. When the plants are burnt, they release the sun's energy they contain. In this way, biomass functions as a sort of natural battery for storing solar energy. As long as biomass is produced sustainably, with only as much used as is grown, the battery will last indefinitely.
In general there are two main approaches to using plants for energy production: growing plants specifically for energy use, and using the residues from plants that are used for other things such as agriculture wastes. The best approaches vary from region to region according to climate, soils and geography. As an energy source, biomass can either be used directly, or converted into other energy products such as biofuel.
Biofuels include a wide range of fuels which are derived from biomass. This covers solid biomass, liquid fuels and various biogases. Liquid biofuels include bioalcohols, such as bioethanol, oils and biodiesel. Gaseous biofuels include biogas, landfill gas and synthetic gas. Liquid biofuels can be used as a fuel for vehicles in its pure form, but it is usually used as a gasoline or diesel additive to increase octane and improve vehicle emissions.
Malaysia has a great biomass and wood waste resources available for immediate exploitation. Biomass has the largest renewable energy capability in Malaysia compared to other renewable energy sources. Much of this is readily available waste from the agricultural sector especially from palm oil plantations. Malaysia already producing biodiesel from the palm oil for commercial use and have a huge market potentials in the future. There is no doubt that this renewable energy will make a great impact on future power generation.
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