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Biomass

Biomass is living or dead biological material that can be used as fuel. A bonfire is a simple example of a biomass fuel. Using biomass for energy can involve the use of plant based material plus animal and vegetable derived materials. Biomass boilers or stoves typically burn wood logs, chips or pellets.

What are biomass systems?

Biomass systems used for heating and hot water are typically wood burning boilers and stoves. A biomass boiler like a stove will usually burn wood chips, pellets or logs. This is connected to your heating and hot water system and is an alternative to fossil fuel burning boilers. Stoves are generally used for supplementary heating, perhaps for one room, or to work in support of another heating system.

What are the benefits?

Because the carbon emissions are offset by emissions absorbed during the fuel’s production, biomass is a carbon neutral process. When biomass is used as a fuel it positively contributes to waste management by producing energy from products which may otherwise end up as landfill. When local waste products are used, the system brings local investment and employment, reducing transport costs and helping to minimise the impact of transportation pollution on the environment.

How does it work?

As described above, biomass boilers and stoves generally burn wood products, in chip, pellet and log form, and provide central and single room heating as well as hot water. Some boilers and most stoves have to be filled by hand, but many boilers have automatic fuel feeders, taking chips or pellets from a store or hopper into the boiler to be burnt. Similarly some boilers have automatic cleaning and ash collection systems. Consideration must be given to fuel storage space, delivery access and local fuel suppliers as well as complying with the Clean Air Act (in smokeless zones) and safety and building regulations.

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