Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

Bioenergy: Nothing Goes to Waste

Bioenergy uses organic matter such as municipal and industrial waste, plants, wood and unused vegetable crops and forestry to produce liquid fuel, chemicals and electricity.

Bioenergy Products Consumers Are Already Using

Fuels. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the two most common biofuels, ethanol and biodiesel, are created by fermenting organic vegetables high in carbohydrates, such as potatoes or corn. Ethanol is used in gasoline to reduce carbon-monoxide and smog emissions in vehicles.

Biodiesel can be produced from recycled cooking grease, animal fats, vegetable oils and algae and is used as a gasoline or as an additive to reduce emissions in diesel fuels.

Electricity. When biomass is heated to the proper temperatures it can be changed to liquid fuel gas, or steam that can be used to generate electricity. A number of power plants in Ohio already produce electricity by using the methane gas naturally produced in landfills.

Bioenergy Resources

• EERE Biomass Program
  The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Biomass Program develops technology for conversion of biomass (plant-derived material) to valuable fuels, chemicals, materials and power, so as to reduce dependence on foreign oil and foster growth of biorefineries.

• Green Energy Ohio
  A not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting environmentally and economically sustainable energy policies and practices in Ohio.