Maine’s land area is 90% woodland and forest by some estimates.
Wood is considered a source of energy through direct biomass burning or through conversion to biofuels, which is then burned. If burned directly, biomass can generate electricity in the same way as coal or gas plants. In fact, Maine produces about 20% of its electricity using biomass. Biomass burning is also widely used in Maine for home and commercial heating. But just like with coal and gas, biomass burning results in CO2 emissions.
If biomass is subjected to pyrolysis, some of the carbon-based molecules produced can be stored as liquid fuel, similar to gasoline, kerosene, or other commercial fuels, for later use. Methane, a greenhouse gas also known as natural gas, is also produced. Combustion of either liquid fuel or natural gas results in CO2 emissions. Pyrolysis requires energy whose source could be fossil fuels or renewable resources such as solar or wind power.
Individual projects need to be assessed independently against the Sierra Club’s Energy Resources Policy. There are many factors to be weighed in deciding whether a new project or an established facility is a significant contributor to carbon emissions. Sierra Club Maine works to ensure that new biomass projects are aligned with Sierra Club policy.
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