Biomass is organic matter created through plant photosynthesis with the sun as energy source, i.e. all types of plant material, wood, manure, household waste etc. Plant biomass can be used as food for humans, feed for animals and energy in the form of heat, electricity, gas and liquid fuel. Energy production based on biomass can offer significant environmental benefits by substituting fossils fuels and thus reduce the increase in atmospheric greenhouse gases, particularly CO2, and it can contribute to enhanced security of supply.