Advantages

• Theoretically inexhaustible fuel source
• When direct combustion of plant mass is not used to generate energy (i.e. fermentation, pyrolysis, etc. are used instead), there is minimal environmental impact
• Alcohols and other fuels produced by biomass are efficient, viable, and relatively clean-burning
• Available throughout the world

Disadvantages

• Could contribute a great deal to global warming and particulate pollution if directly burned
• Still an expensive source, both in terms of producing the biomass and converting it to alcohols
• On a small scale there is most likely a net loss of energy--energy must be put in to grow the plant mass