Disadvantages of Biomass Energy: Challenges and Limitations

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT considered a disadvantage of biomass energy?

Accepted Answer

It is a carbon-neutral energy source

Answer

It can be expensive to produce

Answer

It can contribute to air pollution

Answer

It can compete with food production for land and water resources

Question 2

Which of the following is a potential environmental concern associated with biomass energy production?

Accepted Answer

Air pollution due to particulate matter and nitrogen oxides

Answer

Noise pollution

Answer

Visual pollution

Answer

Water pollution

Question 3

A challenge in utilizing biomass energy effectively is:

Accepted Answer

Its low energy density compared to fossil fuels

Answer

Its limited availability

Answer

Its high cost

Answer

Its intermittency

Question 4

Which of the following is a factor that can affect the sustainability of biomass energy?

Accepted Answer

The type of feedstock used and the efficiency of its conversion to energy

Answer

The location of the biomass plant

Answer

The size of the biomass plant

Question 5

What is a potential economic disadvantage of biomass energy production?

Accepted Answer

High production costs compared to other renewable energy sources

Answer

Low energy efficiency

Answer

Environmental regulations

Answer

Intermittent supply

Question 6

A major concern regarding the use of biomass energy is:

Accepted Answer

Deforestation and land degradation due to unsustainable harvesting practices

Answer

Climate change

Answer

Soil erosion

Answer

Water scarcity

Question 7

Which of the following is a potential social disadvantage of biomass energy development?

Accepted Answer

Displacement of local communities and disruption of traditional livelihoods

Answer

Increase in crime

Answer

Noise pollution

Answer

Traffic congestion

Question 8

Which air pollutants are primarily released during biomass energy production, and what are their potential impacts on human health and the environment?

Accepted Answer

Particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxides, which can harm respiratory and cardiovascular health, as well as the environment

Answer

Carbon dioxide and water vapor, which have minimal effects on health and the environment

Answer

Heavy metals and dioxins, which are known carcinogens that can accumulate in food chains

Answer

Methane and nitrous oxide, which contribute to climate change as greenhouse gases

Question 9

How does biomass energy compete with food production?

Accepted Answer

For limited land and water resources

Answer

For government contracts

Answer

For tax breaks and government subsidies

Answer

For labor and equipment

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a greenhouse gas emitted by biomass energy production?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen

Answer

Methane

Answer

Carbon dioxide

Answer

Nitrous oxide

Question 11

How does biomass energy contribute to air pollution?

Accepted Answer

By releasing particulate matter and nitrogen oxides during combustion

Answer

By producing greenhouse gases such as methane and nitrous oxide

Answer

By consuming fossil fuels in biomass processing and transportation

Question 12

Which of the following is a potential environmental benefit of biomass energy?

Accepted Answer

Carbon neutrality, as biomass absorbs CO2 during growth and releases it upon combustion

Answer

Reduced water consumption compared to fossil fuel production

Answer

Improved soil health by adding organic matter to the soil

Answer

Increased biodiversity by providing habitats for wildlife

Question 13

Identify a primary disadvantage associated with biomass energy.

Accepted Answer

Competition with food production for land and water resources

Answer

Low energy efficiency

Answer

High upfront costs

Question 14

In what way does biomass energy have a negative impact on air quality?

Accepted Answer

Incomplete combustion results in the emission of particulate matter and carbon monoxide

Answer

Deforestation for biomass harvesting contributes to soil erosion

Answer

Runoff from biomass plantations causes water pollution

Question 15

What is a key advantage of biomass energy?

Accepted Answer

It is a renewable and carbon-neutral source of energy

Answer

Low production costs

Answer

High energy density

Answer

Widely accessible

Question 16

How does biomass energy compare to fossil fuels in terms of environmental impact?

Accepted Answer

Lower carbon emissions but higher particulate matter emissions

Answer

Higher energy density and lower costs

Answer

Shorter supply chain and reduced geopolitical risk

Question 17

Which of the following is a major disadvantage of relying on biomass for electricity generation, particularly in regions with limited arable land?

Accepted Answer

Competition with food production for land resources

Answer

High operating costs

Answer

Intermittency of energy supply

Question 18

Burning biomass for energy can release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. Which of the following is NOT a significant pollutant released by biomass combustion?

Accepted Answer

Carbon dioxide

Answer

Sulfur dioxide

Answer

Volatile organic compounds

Answer

Nitrogen oxides

Question 19

Which of the following is a potential consequence of increased reliance on biomass energy for electricity generation, particularly in regions with water scarcity?

Accepted Answer

Competition with food production for water resources

Answer

Increased dependence on fossil fuels

Answer

Reduced greenhouse gas emissions

Question 20

A major challenge associated with biomass energy is the need to transport feedstock to the power plant. What is a significant consequence of this transportation?

Accepted Answer

Increased greenhouse gas emissions

Answer

Lower operating costs

Answer

Increased reliance on renewable resources

Answer

Reduced energy efficiency

Question 21

Which of the following is a key factor that can significantly affect the sustainability of biomass energy production?

Accepted Answer

The rate of forest regrowth

Answer

The cost of solar panels

Answer

The availability of wind resources

Question 22

In some cases, the use of biomass energy can lead to a depletion of soil nutrients. This is mainly due to:

Accepted Answer

Removal of organic matter from the soil

Answer

Climate change

Answer

Increased use of pesticides

Question 23

A key aspect of sustainable biomass energy production is ensuring that:

Accepted Answer

The rate of biomass harvesting does not exceed the rate of regrowth

Answer

The energy source is readily available

Answer

The cost of energy production is minimized

Question 24

Which of the following is NOT a significant disadvantage of using wood pellets as a source of biomass energy?

Accepted Answer

High energy density

Answer

Competition with other uses for wood

Answer

Production of harmful emissions

Answer

Potential deforestation

Question 25

In the context of biomass energy production, what is meant by the term 'carbon neutrality'?

Accepted Answer

The amount of carbon dioxide released during combustion is equal to the amount absorbed by the growing biomass

Answer

The energy source is completely renewable

Question 26

Which of the following scenarios is MOST LIKELY to contribute to the expansion of biomass energy production in the future?

Accepted Answer

Increased government incentives for renewable energy sources

Answer

Improved efficiency of fossil fuel power plants

Answer

Decreased demand for food production