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.  

  • Biomass can be sourced locally, from within the UK, on an indefinite basis, contributing to security of supply.

  • UK sourced biomass can offer local business opportunities and support the rural economy.

  • The establishment of local networks of production and usage, allows financial and environmental costs of transport to be minimized. 

  • There is no region in the UK that cannot be a producer of biomass

  • The use of biomass fuel provides an economic incentive to manage woodland which improves biodiversity.

  • Many biomass fuels generate lower levels of such atmospheric pollutants as sulphur dioxide, that contributes to 'acid rain'.

  • 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