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Biomass

Biomass is a process by which organic matter undergoes combustion to release heat into the atmosphere. Where small scale domestic heating applications are concerned, the biomass fuel usually takes the form of solid wood pellets, chips or logs, which are used to run biomass boiler or stand alone stove. These can fuel central heating radiators and water heating systems.

Installations costs/payback

Installation costs are expensive and would typically cost around £13,500*.
If there is a local fuel source, the lengthy payback periods could be reduced.

Running costs

Unlike other forms of renewable energy, biomass systems require the property owner to pay for the fuel.
The distance between the property and the fuel supplier makes a significant difference to running costs (as well as carbon emissions and payback). It is only cost effective where wood supplies are abundant.
Typical running costs are around £850 per annum.*

Carbon emissions / the environment

The Government suggests that biomass is carbon neutral if the fuel is taken from local sources. Biomass doesn’t add any carbon dioxide to the atmosphere as the carbon released during the generation of energy is balanced by that absorbed by the fuel’s production.
On the understanding that the wood is taken from regenerative forests, biomass is incredibly sustainable. But biomass can only be seen as sustainable if the wood used is continually replaced; but of course it takes years for trees to grow.
Recycling waste products avoids disposing of them at landfill sites, helping the UK’s growing waste management problem.

Features and benefits

Ash deposit can be used as a fertiliser.
Biomass systems can have automatic fuel feed and ignition and can be controlled using thermostats and timers.

Potential drawbacks

Biomass boilers are large, so the property must have adequate space. Additional space is required to store the wood pellets, chips or logs and there must be appropriate access for loading and fuel deliveries.
Some biomass boilers have to be loaded by hand; automatic-feed ones will be more expensive.
The flue installed must be specifically designed for a biomass boiler.
Smokeless zones exist in the UK; wood can only be burned in exempted appliances, under the Clean Air Act.
If a building is listed or is in an area of outstanding natural beauty, then the Local Authority Planning Department must be consulted before a flue is fitted.
More labour intensive as the boilers will require de-ashing.