Biomass is plant matter such as trees, grasses, agricultural crops or other biological material. It can be used as a solid fuel, or converted into liquid or gaseous forms, for the production of electric power, heat, chemicals, or fuels. By integrating a variety of biomass conversion processes, all of these products can be made in one facility, called a Biorefinery. Design Engineers are currently working to develop cost effective, environmentally friendly Biomass conversion technologies to reduce our nation's dependence on foreign oil, improve our air quality, and support rural economies and municipalities.