Energy Atlas

How The World Is Powered
Energy Sources

Firewood

Also Known As Fuelwood
Traditional Biomass

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Wood burned whole, split or as chips for heat is the oldest and, worldwide, still the most widely used biomass fuel. The U.S. Energy Information Administration puts it plainly: people have used wood for cooking, heating and lighting for thousands of years, and wood was the main source of energy for the United States and the rest of the world until the mid-1800s, when coal overtook it. It remains the largest energy source in many lower-income countries today, gathered rather than mined or drilled, and it is the raw material pyrolysis turns into charcoal.

Facts
Source Class
Traditional Biomass 1
Cross-Tradition Connections

Associated With

Sources
1. United States Energy Information Administration Official Site
US Energy Information AdministrationBiomass explained, Wood and wood waste
Quote, Biomass explained, Wood and wood waste
People have used wood for cooking, heating, and lighting for thousands of years. Wood was the main source of energy for the United States and the rest of the world until the mid-1800s.
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