Plants grow by harnessing the sun’s energy through
photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants use
the sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce
oxygen and glucose. The glucose (or sugar) is a form
of chemical energy that is stored in the cells of plants
or trees (U.S. EIA, 2008). This energy is released
when the plants are eaten, decomposed, or burned.
Whether burned or converted through a chemical
process, biomass fuels release energy that can be
used to produce heat, power, electricity, and transportation
fuels.