What is Biomass?
biomass
noun1. the total quantity or weight of organisms in a given area or volume.
2. organic matter used as a fuel, especially in a power station for the generation of electricity.
Oxford English Dictionary
Biomass is biological material. Derived from organic matter, such as plants, biomass can be used directly via combustion to produce heat, or indirectly after being converted into various types of fuel.
Wood is the most popular biomass energy source. It is usually used in the form of logs, pellets or wood chips. The biomass is burnt to release heat, which is then used to heat homes, generate electricity and even to power vehicles.
Biomass is a renewable, low carbon fuel. Compared to fossil fuels, biomass has environmental and social benefits.
The Key Benefits of Domestic Biomass in your Home
- Cost effective – a Biomass Boiler in your home could save you 80% on your energy bills
- Renewable & sustainable fuel – reduce your impact on the environment
- Eligible for government funding – get a discount grant to generate and use renewable energy through the BUS grant
- User friendly – easy to use and maintain
- Efficient heating – heat your home without wasting fuel
Environmental Benefits of Biomass Heating
Biomass is known as a “carbon lean” fuel, producing a fraction of the carbon emissions of fossil fuels. Commercial and domestic biomass fuel can be sourced locally from within the UK, further reducing its impact upon the environment when compared with fuels sourced from further afield. This also makes biomass a secure and reliable source of fuel – it can be UK sourced on an indefinite basis.
Biomass fuels generate low levels of atmospheric pollutants and do not contribute to ‘acid rain’ with nasties such as sulphur dioxide that are released by fossil fuels. Additionally, ETA biomass combustion systems are highly sophisticated, offering over 90% efficiency and RHI compatible low emission levels.
Finally, Biomass not only supplies us with energy, it helps with the disposal of wood and other materials that would otherwise be left to rot. Residues from rotting organic materials generate CO2 and produces methane (CH4), a greenhouse gas 21 times more potent than CO2.
Other Benefits of Biomass
Biomass is not only better for the environment than fossil fuels, it can also offer local business opportunities. The use of biomass fuel provides an economic incentive to manage woodland, which improves UK biodiversity. Additionally, biomass is sourced, processed and transported via local networks, supporting the rural economy.
About Us
Commercial Biomass is one of the UK’s leading biomass and renewable heating specialists. With well over 300 biomass boiler installations to our name and 30+ years’ experience in the heating industry, Commercial Biomass helps you make the right renewable energy choice for your home. We are Gas Safe registered, Windhager, Hargassner, ETA and IDM Certified, and the only installer in Somerset and Devon to be certified with Innasol. More about Commercial Biomass…