Biomass Power Plants: How They Work and Where They Are in Italy

The biomass power plants They are electrical and/or thermal systems that are powered by organic and biodegradable materials of vegetal or animal origin, the so-called biomass. Thanks to this type of technology, it is possible to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, in a process of decarbonisation now considered essential for the protection of our planet.

But exactly? How biomass power plants work? And where are they located in Italy?

In this article we will see what biomass plants are, how energy is produced and how convenient this renewable source actually is. First, however, let’s remember What are biomasses?.

What is Biomass? A Simple Explanation

The term “biomass” refers to biodegradable materials which can derive from agricultural processes, livestock farming, forestry or from industrial and urban waste.

This includes all those organic materials (i.e. deriving from the process of photosynthesis) which derive from animal or plant remains.

By converting these materials – a process which takes place inside biomass power plants – it is possible to produce aclean and renewable energythanks to which we will be able to increasingly reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.

But what are they and How biomass plants work?

How does a biomass power plant work?

How can wood residues, manure or agricultural waste be transformed into electrical energy? The entire process of converting these materials takes place within special systemsthe so-called “biomass power plants”.

Energy can be obtained through various processes, such as direct combustionthrough pyrolysis o gasification. One of the most commonly used methods to obtain thermal and electrical energy is based precisely on the combustion of biomass.

How does biomass combustion occur?

In short, the biomass is burned inside a special combustion chamber. During this process heat is released, which heats the water in a boiler, producing steam.

This is sent under pressure towards some turbinewhich will start to spin, driving an alternator, which in turn will produce electrical energy.

After that, coming out of the turbine, part of the steam will be recovered and used for heating, while the rest of the steam will be transformed back into water, which will return to circulate in the boiler. And so a new cycle begins.

Biomass Power Plants: Advantages and Disadvantages

Being able to obtain energy by exploiting waste from agriculture or other activities certainly represents an extraordinary way to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and pollutants.

Biomass is therefore an ecological and “green” resourcea solution that also allows to give new life to waste that would otherwise have to be disposed of appropriately. Furthermore, biomass is considered a more stable and continuous form of energy compared to other renewables, such as wind or solar-photovoltaic, as it does not depend on climatic and meteorological events.

Although that from biomass is a promising type of energyhowever, one must consider the potential “cons” of this resource.

What are the disadvantages of biomass power plants?

Usually biomass plants are based on the wood burning. An ever-increasing demand for this type of resource could therefore lead to a greater need for trees, with a greater risk of increasing the drama of deforestation.

Furthermore, although in smaller quantities than fossil fuels, the combustion of biomass determines the production of greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming and climate change, which is why it is necessary to carefully evaluate both the pros and cons before adopting this or other forms of energy.

How many biomass power plants are there in Italy?

Where are the biomass power plants in Italy? In our country these types of power plants are progressively increasing. It is estimated that there are about 2700 biomass plants scattered throughout the country, mostly located in Lombardy, Veneto, Piedmont and Emilia Romagna.

How much energy does a biomass power plant produce?

According to estimates, to date the biomass power plants present in Italy cover a total production of 19.562.000 Mwhand they are able to satisfy approximately the 6% of national energy needs.

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