Biomass
The technology
‘Biomass,’ in the context of heating, refers to fuels that are living or recently dead (therefore excluding fossil fuels), and biodegradable waste. Common material is wood and paper waste.
Plants such as palm oil, willow and miscanthus is also used, though this is often further refined to create biofuel. (biodiesel)
Biomass therefore can refer to a range of fuel feedstuffs – either solid fuels (often in pellet form) which are burned in a boiler or stove, or liquid fuels which can replace petrochemicals in oil-fired boilers or diesel installations.
Biomass is considered a low carbon, renewable source of heating because the CO2 liberated when the fuel is burned is matched by the same amount of CO2 which every plant absorbs in sunlight through photosynthesis while the plant is growing.
Plants used for Biomass are often quick growing ones planted specifically for the purpose and repeatedly harvested.
Government sources suggest that biomass is making a significant contribution to renewable and affordable warmth.
Biomass can be used to fuel systems in individual houses manually or by using automatic hoppers to hold and dispense larger quantities of wood chips or pellets. This is common for community heating schemes or to larger buildings such as schools.
Biomass is currently compatible with three main heating systems:
- Stoves: an enclosed, clean burning stove that provides space heating
- Stove and back boiler systems: as above but also heats water in a back boiler which can feed a central heating system and provide hot water
- Combined heat and power systems: a developing technology, which can use biomass to fuel an electricity generator, and use the spare ‘waste’ heat from that process to also provide space heating.
NEA’s work with biomass and fuel poverty
We have focussed on those fuels and methods of energy generation that are sustainable and clean. This means that the fuel is replanted when harvested, and sources locally where possible to minimise overall Carbon footprint, and for security of supply.
We have found biomass can be a low cost, low carbon alternative to oil, coal, bottled LPG gas and electric space and water heating. It can be particularly beneficial to those living in areas that are “off the gas network”. In addition, harvesting and processing biomass can diversify and strengthen the local economy.
Biomass stoves and boiler systems can make an immediate impact on fuel poverty. Many of those in fuel poverty live in rural areas.
This means they are more likely to be off-gas and have access to wood.
If considering biomass for your own home, it is vital, that you have a reliable local source of fuel, a clean burning stove and the capacity to store and load your stove or boiler.
Entertainment as well as heat!