Cleaner than Coal? Wood Power Makes a Comeback
by Katherine tweed
ScientificAmerican.com
Ontario's Atikokan Generation Station has transitions from being powered by coal to wood pellets. This switch to biomass energies has been very popular recently, in particular, in Europe. the European Union Renewable Energy Directive issued a goal of establishing biomass energy as a major alternative energy source, with an aim of having 20% of the worlds energy be renewable. Research has concluded that wood burning creates 65-95% less greenhouse emissions, as compared to fossil fuels. Also, because it originates from biomass, this energy form is considered carbon-neutral. Unlike fossil fuels, wood burning also leads to a reduction in sulfur oxide, nitrogen oxide, and mercury emissions. However, some are concerned about how this form of alternative energy will impact ecosystems, as well as atmospheric carbon concentrations. Some scientists fear that this could lead to major upsets in carbon stocks in forests, while many environmentalists are concerned about protecting ecosystems and preventing deforestation. Also, some are worried that the rise in the wood pellet international export market could damage the environment with excess greenhouse gas emissions.
Wood burning as an alternative energy source is an incredibly fascinating and complex issue. Both sides of
the argument make excellent points as to why wood burning should or shouldn't become a major source of alternative energy. Personally, I do not think that it will have long-term success. Though safer than coal burning, it causes many issues relating to the global carbon cycle, as well as forest ecosystems which should be preserved. I also think that other forms of alternative energy, like hydro power, solar power, and wind energy offer more promise as long-term solutions to the issue of climate change. However, I think that wood energy could be an instrumental tool in our transition towards more environmentally-friendly energy systems. This could be an important element of our transition phase from fossil fuels towards green energy, since it offers some short-term and economic benefits.
by Katherine tweed
ScientificAmerican.com
Ontario's Atikokan Generation Station has transitions from being powered by coal to wood pellets. This switch to biomass energies has been very popular recently, in particular, in Europe. the European Union Renewable Energy Directive issued a goal of establishing biomass energy as a major alternative energy source, with an aim of having 20% of the worlds energy be renewable. Research has concluded that wood burning creates 65-95% less greenhouse emissions, as compared to fossil fuels. Also, because it originates from biomass, this energy form is considered carbon-neutral. Unlike fossil fuels, wood burning also leads to a reduction in sulfur oxide, nitrogen oxide, and mercury emissions. However, some are concerned about how this form of alternative energy will impact ecosystems, as well as atmospheric carbon concentrations. Some scientists fear that this could lead to major upsets in carbon stocks in forests, while many environmentalists are concerned about protecting ecosystems and preventing deforestation. Also, some are worried that the rise in the wood pellet international export market could damage the environment with excess greenhouse gas emissions.
Wood burning as an alternative energy source is an incredibly fascinating and complex issue. Both sides of
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| The Atikokan Generating Station |
I also think it may not be the best alternative because it just sounds like something that would eventually lead to over-exploitation :/ You made a good point about hydro power or solar energy being better
ReplyDeleteYeah, I think finding the balance between resource exploitation, environmental danger, and energy demand would be really tricky for this resource.
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