Biomass
What is Biomass?
Biomass is a renewable, low carbon fuel that is already widely available throughout the UK. Its production and use also brings environmental and social benefits. Correctly managed, Biomass is a sustainable fuel that can deliver a significant reduction in net carbon emissions when compared with fossil fuels.
Benefits of using biomass as a sustainable fuel
Correctly managed, biomass is a sustainable fuel that can offer a wide range of benefits:
- Biomass is a “carbon lean” fuel producing a fraction of the Carbon emissions of fossil fuels.
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Biomass can be sourced locally, from within the UK, on an indefinite basis, contributing to security of supply.
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UK sourced biomass can offer local business opportunities and support the rural economy.
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The establishment of local networks of production and usage, allows financial and environmental costs of transport to be minimized.
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There is no region in the UK that cannot be a producer of biomass
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The use of biomass fuel provides an economic incentive to manage woodland which improves biodiversity.
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Many biomass fuels generate lower levels of such atmospheric pollutants as sulphur dioxide, that contributes to 'acid rain'.
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Modern biomass combustion systems are highly sophisticated, offering combustion efficiency and emission levels comparable with the best fossil fuel boilers.
- Biomass residues, arisings, co-products and waste not used for energy, or some other application will usually rot. This will generate CO2 in any case, and may also produce methane (CH4), a greenhouse gas 21 times more potent that CO