Biomasses are commonly used as electrical/thermal energy, as fuel for transportation and as raw materials for the production of chemicals; the applications for biomass continue to grow and are increasing rapidly. Although there are areas where biomass is effectively used, it is inefficiently utilized in direct combustion, especially in less-developed countries.
However, the amount of atmospheric pollution generated remains negligible compared with other pollution sources of energy production.
A wide variety of studies has been conducted on the use of biomass as a source for renewable energy and an alternative to fossil fuels; interest in biomass continues to grow in an increasing trend.