 | Biomass is any renewable organic matter, including trees, plants, animal wastes and paper that can be used to generate energy. Renewable biomass energy creates an additional use in farm, forestry and other industries, which reduces waste and generates revenue. Bioenergy also reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants by displacing fossil fuel use. By creating greater energy diversity from domestically available sources, bioenergy reduces dependence on imported energy and provides greater security. |
Farm to Fuel
The Florida Farm to Fuel Initiative was created by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to enhance the market for and promote the production and distribution of renewable energy from Florida-grown crops, agricultural wastes and residues, and other biomass and to enhance the value of agricultural products or expand agribusiness in the state. The Initiative includes a statewide comprehensive information and education program aimed at educating the general public about the benefits of renewable energy and the use of alternative fuels.
Energy Crop Tree
Farm
In a unique public-private research partnership, the
Common Purpose Institute, University of Florida, energy
companies and the Florida Energy Office are studying ways to
grow and harvest fast growing trees as a renewable fuel
source for electric utilities in the Southeast. By
developing energy crop use, Florida is striving to restore
damaged mining lands in Central Florida to native habitats
by using energy crops as a "bridge crop.”
Energy from Landfill Gas
On May 4, 2005 the Florida Energy Office organized a one-day
workshop in Orlando to examine landfill gas
(LFG) energy production technologies. The Florida Landfill Gas
to Energy Symposium was held in conjunction with the
2005 Southeast Green Energy Summit. Presentations were
provided as a comprehensive overview of effective technologies,
financing tools and philosophies in the emerging LFG energy
industry.
In Summer 2004, the University of South Florida completed a
research project using landfill gas to fuel a 30 Kilowatt
micro-turbine which generated electric grid power. The
system lowered emissions, generated electric power to placed
on the electric grid and reduced dependency on fossil fuels.
Biogas
Biogas is a mixture of gasses, normally carbon dioxide and methane, produced by micro organisms through anaerobic conditions (the absence of air or oxygen). It is a natural process and works on basically any organic waste (crop waste, lawn clippings, septic tank waste and even your household trash). Biogas typically contains 65 percent methane, which makes it a promising source of alternative fuel since methane is combustible and can be converted to other energy forms. The Florida Energy Office is working with the University of Florida to further research and development of biogas resources in the state.
BioDiesel
The Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Greenways & Trails is pumping biodiesel, a new “green” fuel made from homegrown vegetables, vegetable oil, fats and grease into its fleet of field trucks. The field vehicles tow tractors and heavy-duty maintenance equipment over the rugged terrain of the 110-mile Cross Florida Greenway and paved highways. The average vehicle travels over 300 miles a week.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy and the Department of Agriculture, biodiesel yields 280 percent more energy than petroleum diesel fuel, while producing 47 percent lower exhaust emissions.
Southern States Biobased Alliance
Within the United States, the South is currently the national leader in the production and use of bioenergy and biobased products from trees, grasses, crop residues and other biomass resources. Despite this progress, our region still has tremendous untapped potential in this rapidly growing field. In July 2001, the Southern States Biobased Alliance was formed to serve in an advisory capacity to the Southern States Energy Board. The Alliance’s mission is to promote the use of biobased products to improve the regional environment and economies while contributing to national energy security; to mitigate barriers to develop and deploy bioenergy technologies; and to provide information and technical assistance.
