Energy content

The energy value of biomass materials is determined by its chemical composition and is measured as joules of energy in 1 g of fuel (J/g) (for convenience this is usually expressed as MJ/kg or GJ/t). However, for practical matters the volume-related energy density is a much more important parameter.

While the energy value of solid biomass varies relatively little, the required volume for a single unit of fuel equivalent can easily vary by a factor of ten, depending on the method of harvesting or processing. In the case of chopped forest and agricultural biomass, the application of densification technologies can considerably reduce the volume required for storage.

Mars ‘King size’ bar - energy content: 2 MJ*		Standard briquettes – energy content: 16 MJ		LPG cylindre – energy content: 460 MJ		Oil tanker – energy content: 3,500,000,000 MJ