Biomass is a traditional method of producing energy, and is the cheapest source. Biomass energy is the energy produced by using firewood, animal waste, agricultural residue et cetera.

Firewood is an old source of biomass. Animal waste is another source, which is common in Nepal. Biogas can be produced by animal waste. Animal waste is also used as biogas because it produces methane gas, which is used for burning.

Cow and buffalo dung are dried into dung cakes and sticks. The dried dung burns with a blue flame because it contains solar energy.

Agricultural residue is the last source of biomass. This is important for farmers. One can change corn or sugarcane to ethanol, which is a bio diesel. Most of the agricultural residues contail organic compounds which burn with a blue flame.

Biomass is important and can be an alternative source of energy. — Bipan Sharma, Class VII, Kathmandu University High School