ClimateJuly 14, 2026

biomass

/ˈbaɪoʊˌmæs/

Definition

Organic plant or animal matter that can be used as a renewable source of energy, such as sugarcane or grain used to produce ethanol.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'bios' (life) and the English 'mass' (a coherent body of matter). It entered scientific usage in the 20th century to describe the total quantity of living organisms within a given area.

In the news

The article refers to biomass as the agricultural feedstock used to create ethanol fuel. This highlights how India is leveraging domestic organic resources to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels.

E20 debate reveals India’s uneven energy transition trade-offs

Read the full article ↗

Eco-Business

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