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Glossary
Anaerobic digesters: systems that convert biomass,
particularly food waste and animal manure, into energy.
Biodiesel: a fuel made from renewable, biodegradable
sources, usually vegetable oil or animal fat.
Bioenergy: energy derived from recent living organisms.
Biofuel: solid, liquid or gas fuel consisting of,
or derived from, biological materials
Biogas: a gas mixture of primarily methane and
carbon dioxide, produced by anaerobic digestion or fermentation
of organic matter, including manure, sewage sludge, municipal solid
waste, or any other biodegradable feedstock.
Cellulose: a complex carbohydrate found in the
cell walls of plants.
Carbon neutral: any activity that results in no
net carbon emissions to the atmosphere.
Energy audits: a survey and analysis of the energy
flows in a building or system including specific recommendations
for improving efficiency and conservation.
Ethanol: an alcohol-based fuel produced by fermenting
and distilling sugars from plant materials.
Feedstock: a raw biomass material that is converted
to another form or product.
Net energy gain: when the energy obtained from
an energy source is greater than the energy required to produce
it.
Net metering: a state-level electricity policy
that allows consumers producing energy to hook up to the grid. When
customers are net metered, the utilities can only charge for energy
consumption minus production.
Photovoltaic (PV) cells: solar cells or solar photovoltaic
arrays that convert sunlight into electricity.
Renewable energy: an energy resource that is replaced
rapidly by natural processes
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum): a warm-season grass
that is a dominant species of the central North American tallgrass
prairie.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): organic chemical
compounds that under normal conditions can vaporize and enter the
atmosphere.
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