2.METHODS OF EXTRACTING BIOMASS ENERGY
Biomass can be converted to thermal energy, liquid, solid or gaseous fuels and other chemical products through a variety of conversion processes. Biopower technologies are proven electricity-generation options in the United States, with 10GW of installed capacity [5]. All of today's capacity is based on mature, direct-combustion technology. Future efficiency improvements will include co-firing of biomass in existing coal-fired boilers and the introduction of high-efficiency gasification, combined-cycle systems, fuel cell systems, and modular systems [5]. Generally, the prominent biopower technologies are comprised of direct combustion, co-firing, gasification, pyrolysis, anaerobic digestion, and fermentation.