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Biomass from Paulownia

Biomass is a biological material derived from living organisms, commonly trees or woody material. It is produced in 3 different forms; briquettes, pellets and chips. The demand for green alternatives to fossil fuels is growing in line with global concern for pollution levels and pressure on natural resources, and biomass presents itself as a highly viable solution. Biomass is a renewable, low-Carbon bio-fuel that can be used across the energy spectrum for electricity, heat and transport as well as the production of industrial material.

Paulownia Biomass is Carbon-neutral

Unlike fossil fuels that trapped their Carbon content several million years ago, plant biomass that is purposefully grown for energy production releases Carbon that has recently been absorbed by that particular plant. Paulownia converts energy from the sun into biomass and absorbs CO2 as it grows. When its biomass energy is released, even if burned, only the same amount of CO2 is released as was originally absorbed. Provided the tree is replaced, this process is Carbon neutral.

Paulownia to Biomass is Sustainable

Growing trees, cutting and replacing them is a sustainable practice as long as the harvested trees are replaced. Paulownia trees are especially easy to replace as they do not die after being cut but naturally re-sprout from their existing root system after harvest. As a non-invasive species (the trees are sterile) and a low-maintenance plant (it is drought and fire resistant), Paulownia biomass plantations can re-grow with relative ease and no negative environmental impact.

Paulownia to Biomass is Ethical

Paulownia grows in fast-draining, sandy soils including degraded lands. This means that Paulownia biomass plantations are cultivated in areas unsuitable for agricultural purposes or for food production. Moreover, the Paulownia tree regenerates ecologically stressed soils due to the fertilizing effects of its fallen leaves and its Nitrogen releasing root system.

Paulownia to Biomass is Lucrative

The U.S. Government has set aggressive production targets for renewable fuels and China and the European Union have also set ambitious targets for bioenergy production. As fossil fuel reserves diminish and climate change increases, the search for greener, more sustainable energy alternatives is increasing. A variety of biofuels are being developed with the corresponding technologies for their use, but biomass production presents a practical solution in the short term as well as the long term. Biomass briquettes can be used in existing coal-fuelled electricity plants with just minor adjustments so they can actually be utilized in a great deal of energy plants already in a very cost-effective manner. This is demonstrated by the market value for biomass briquettes which can be as high as €135 per ton. It is estimated that total support for biofuels in the EU amounts to €3.7billion annually. (Comhar SDC)