Energy to Burn

Today, more and more electricity is being produced by using renewable energy sources like wind, solar, or biomass.  Renewable energy comes from sources that won’t run out.  Using renewable energy sources to make electricity helps to reduce greenhouse gases.

Wisconsin is home to a power plant that creates electricity in a very unique way – by burning wood, or biomass.  Biomass is any kind of organic matter, like wood, plants or agricultural waste, that can be used as a source of energy.  In this case, it’s the wood that’s left over when trees are harvested to make things like paper and cardboard.  Since 1979, Bay Front Power Plant in Ashland has burned nearly four million tons of alternate fuels, like waste wood, railroad ties and used tires, to make energy.  This is material that serves no other purpose, and would otherwise be likely to end up in a landfill.

To learn about how electricity is made, take a virtual power plant tour at Xcel Energy - Energy Classroom.  You’ll find some energy-related games and activities there as well.

And for information about renewable energy, click on -

Xcel Energy - Renewable Energy