Biomass Heating

Biomass heating is carbon neutral and potentially recycling a waste material.

Biomass heating is generally considered to be carbon neutral and potentially recycling a waste material.

A well designed stove can be up to 90% efficient, can be fed and lit automatically and controlled by thermostats and timers.

Biomass Heating - Specifications
Types of system Stoves or room heaters can be log or pellet, typically 6-12 kW. Some can be fitted with back boilers for hot water. Larger scale heaters >15kW can provide space and water heating for radiators. Space needed for storage of chip > pellets / logs and a flue. Consider cleaning / maintenance requirements, security of fuel supply and possible planning issues.
System Costs Stand alone stoves are £1500-£3000 installed. Typical 20kW pellet boiler £10-15,000. Currently limited number of accredited installers.
Running Costs wood chip 1.2p /kWh pellets 3.9p /kWh logs 1.2p /kWh Logs £50 /t Chips depend on moisture and size Pellets £180 - £200 + / t Cheapest delivery of pellets will be in 4t+ loads by blower. Bulk delivery will reduce costs.
Development issues Biomass heaters will have to be certified for use within a smokeless zone, this can cause planning / building control issues in urban areas.
Websites Biomass Energy Centre: www.biomassenergycentre.org.uk National Energy Foundation's Log Pile project: www.nef.org.uk/logpile Wood Energy Scotland: www.usewoodfuel.co.uk

Biomass Heating - Specifications

Stoves or room heaters can be log or pellet, typically 6-12 kW. Some can be fitted with back boilers for hot water.
Larger scale heaters >15kW can provide space and water heating for radiators.
Space needed for storage of chip > pellets / logs and a flue.
Consider cleaning / maintenance requirements, security of fuel supply and possible planning issues.