Debunking Biomass – Reasons To Use It

Debunking Biomass – Reasons we should use it

Biomass is a low carbon, renewable source of energy found in significant volumes throughout the UK. While a policy drive towards the electrification of heat and transport is currently happening biomass still has a role to play into the future, particularly in rural communities.

• Biomass offers significant reductions in carbon emissions when compared to fossil fuel alternatives:

*From government GHG conversion factors 2023

Further info can be found Here

• When designed correctly, biomass boiler heating systems are incredibly efficient and smart systems that have intelligent controls to allow the regulation and optimisation of combustion and system operation. This maximises efficiency and minimise harmful by-products like particulate matter and NOx.
• Using a source of energy that can be found in all corners of the UK can assist with achieving energy security, something that has become much more prevalent recently.
• Policy is driving towards a change in sources for these biomass materials, with more emphasis now on sustainable alternatives and waste products which would otherwise be left in situ to potentially rot. Examples include agricultural wastes such as vegetable waste, stalks, husks, and kernels. This material may rot otherwise producing methane (CH₄) which is 21 times more potent as a greenhouse gas than CO₂.
• Sustainable biomass sourced from within the UK supports the local economy, adding value to materials, diversifying incomes for a number of stakeholders and offers local business opportunities in the rural economy.
• Biomass is an ideal solution for rural off grid heating solutions. Expensive fabric or radiator upgrades can be prohibitive for heat pump installation, where biomass can be a direct replacement for fossil fuel systems.
• Current biomass costs are approximately 5.6p/kWh for wood chip in the UK whereas gas for comparison was 8 p/kWh (OFGEM Gas Price)
• Biomass can be used to manage potentially harmful excessive farm nutrients. Riparian buffer strips can minimize nutrient run off and protect waterways from the harmful effects of eutrophication.
• Some forms of biomass can be grown on underutilised or marginal land that would be unsuitable for food crops. This will assist landowners and farmers to diversify their income even further, at a time where pressures on them are increasing.