This document discusses biomass as an energy source. It begins by defining biomass and describing how energy can be extracted from it through combustion, torrefaction, pyrolysis and gasification. It then discusses topics like the potential of biomass to meet energy needs, technical impediments to its use, environmental impacts, laws and regulations, and debates around its sustainability. While biomass is a renewable resource, there are challenges with its development, transportation and carbon emissions that limit its viability as a large-scale energy alternative to fossil fuels.