Biomass Boilers - Carbon Neutral Way of Heating

Ask the general public what is the most succesful sustainable energy technology, and you are likely to hear solar panels and wind turbines. These technologies probably have the highest profile within the renewable energy sector. Solar photovoltaic panels and wind turbines have good track record and make a viable alternative technologies nevertheless. Still, many among us forget a far simpler and humbler technology that has been around for centuries. Wood burning stoves are not only reliable and proven, but are also categorized as eco-friendly, which makes them very attractive these days.

It is essential to first understand biomass boilers. As the name suggests, biomass boilers burn organic fuel (bio-fuel), rather than fossil fuels that are extracted from the ground (such as oil, gas, coal). The boilers are designed to deal with several types of wood depending on the type of the boiler. There are two primary groups of wood that are used: untreated wood (such as logs) and treated wood (such as wood pallets).

From the types of wood used by biomass boilers the most effective and 'user-friendly' is the wood pallets fuel. Wood pallets are actually sawdust, which is compressed under high pressure into small pallets (roughly 5 cm in length). During the compression, the saw dust loses its moisture, making the pallets very dry and highly potent in terms of output to weight ratio. This ensures full burning performance and low residue on the burners.

Fossil fuels are normally associated with global warming and climate change. When fossil fuels are burned (e.g. natural gas in your domestic boiler), they release CO2 as part of their natural chemical reaction. This gas was captured within the fuel for millions of years in underground deposits. By burning it now, we release this gas into the atmosphere. Biomass boilers are considered to be carbon neutral heating technologies, because they only release CO2 that was captured by the plant during its growth years, thus not bringing new CO2 into the global equation.

Here are some pointers on what to check before installing a biomass boiler:

* Reliable fuel supplier - it is recommended to check whether there are any sawmills or carpentry workshops in your vicinity that could supply a steady flow of wood, such as sawdust, wood chips etc.

* Space and location - biomass boilers have larger footprint than a typical boiler and require further space to store the wood. It is essential to calculate the amount of space that would be available for wood storage next to the boiler

* Chimney consideration - a biomass boiler requires a chimney, and more specifically a lined chimney that is designed for wood fuel. However, in most cases such lining can be retro-fitted to carry the smoke.

* Smoke limitations - if your house is located in a 'Smoke-Free' zone you may have to look for a specially labeled product which is 'exempted' under the Clean Air Act.

* Other General Considerations - to avoid disappointment later, it is wise to check with the planning department of your local authority about the implications of installing a biomass boiler, especially if you live in a listed building or a conservation area.

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