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Biomass, which is made from waste plant or animal material, can be burned to produce heat and electricity. Biomass, in the form of sewage, is turned into dried pellets which are burned with coal in a power station to produce heat. The heat produces steam to power electricity generators.

Biomass is a clean fuel and uses waste products; however, it costs money to transport and is as expensive as coal. Biomass pellets and wood chips are also burned locally to produce heat for a swimming pool.

Before watching the clip, students could be asked how they think sewage or ‘poo’ could be turned into electricity. Students could have fun drawing diagrams demonstrating and guessing how it works without having any prior knowledge. After watching the clip, students could amend their diagrams to show the actual process of turning biomass into electricity.

Students could carry out further research into the positives and negatives of using biomass and compare this to other renewable sources of power such as wind, wave and solar. A class debate could ensue, using research on types of energy, to suggest the best way to heat and power your school.