Biomass, the organic matter from plants, can be used to generate electricity directly or be converted into other energy products such as biofuel. Wood is the largest biomass energy resource today.
On Hawaii Island, rapid-growth eucalyptus stands are located along the Hamakua coast and are the feedstock choice for biomass companies in that area.
Other biomass feedstock and feedstock research include marine microalgae, food crops, grassy and woody plants, agriculture or forestry residue, and the organic component of municipal and industrial wastes.
Scientists at the Pacific Basin Agriculture Research Center (PBARC) in Hilo have successfully produced oil through a process using waste papaya.
