What is Biomass?
BioMass is recently created organic matter (as opposed to fossil fuels which have taken millennia to form). As Biomass is grown (in the form of trees & plants) it absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere and this offsets the CO2 produced when the BioMass is burned to produce energy, effectively making it carbon neutral. The main BioMass fuel used in domestic installations is wood in the form of logs, woodchip or pellets.
Why Install a Biomass system?
Biomass can be a very good option especially if you are not connected to the gas supply. Unlike solar, wind or Ground Source Heat Pumps there are no limitations imposed due to lack of roof space, outside area, or minimum wind speeds.
How does a Biomass system work?
There are many different models available on the market but the main types can be broken down as follows:
- Stoves providing heat for a single room space (generally fed manually using logs)
- Stoves fitted with a back-boiler for hot water production.
- Boilers connected to hot water and central heating systems. These can be log, chip or pellet fed and in some cases (wood chip & pellet only) can be automatically loading with the addition of a hopper for preloading in quantity.
Will it work for me?
Biomass systems can be as simple as a wood burning stove to heat a single room right through to sophisticated systems which link in to central heating and hot water. Generally fuel in the form of logs, woodchip or pellets (depending on the type of system) is readily available. It should be borne in mind that at current prices, generating heat from pellets is more expensive than with oil. Similarly if you intend to use woodchip you will need to be confident that you can source a long term supply (such as a local sawmill).You may have the opportunity to source fuel at very low cost or possibly free if you have your own managed woodland.
You will also need to have enough space to store your fuel, to site a hopper if necessary as well as install a suitable flue for the burnt biomass to escape through. Other considerations are whether you are in a ‘Smokeless Zone’ (under the provisions of the Clean Air Act) and whether there are any planning restrictions if your property is listed or in an AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).