Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Biomass refers to any organic matter derived from plants or animals that can be used as an energy source. It includes materials such as wood chips, crop residues, animal manure, and even dedicated energy crops like switchgrass.
Related terms
Biofuel: Biofuels are fuels produced from biomass sources. They can be used to power vehicles or generate electricity.
Carbon neutral refers to activities or processes that do not result in net carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Using biomass for energy is considered carbon neutral because it releases only the same amount of carbon dioxide that was absorbed during plant growth.
Pyrolysis: Pyrolysis is a process that converts biomass into biochar, bio-oil, and syngas through the application of heat in the absence of oxygen.