Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Bio-mass

Biomass is biological material derived from living, or recently living organisms. In the context of biomass for energy this often used to mean plant based material, but biomass can equally apply to both animal and vegetable derived material.

Biomass does release carbon into the atmosphere when it is burned, but is considered to be renewable and carbon neutral, as long as the biomass comes from a properly managed source.

The main sources of biomass used for renewable energy are:

• Virgin wood - logs, saw dust, wood pellets, wood chips.
• Energy Crops - Short Rotation Crops (e.g. willow), non-woody energy crop (e.g. Miscanthus), oil and sugar crops.
• Agricultural Residues - Straw, poultry litter, animal slurry.
• Food waste - wet food waste, waste oils.
• Industrial waste - woody wastes (e.g. pallets), paper pulp, textiles.
  

For domestic purposes biomass fuel is most likely to be wood logs, wood chips or wood pellets.

Modern biomass heating can be almost as efficient as modern gas condensing boilers, very controllable and are automated so you do not need to keep putting logs on the fire.

Biomass heaters can be fitted to most homes with an existing chimney, although you will need to have your chimney checked to make sure it is suitable. Biomass heaters are much more efficient than open fires, whilst still providing the ambience of a natural fire. In well insulated homes they may be able to provide all the heat you need.

Biomass boilers are controlled by thermostats and can be connected to radiators systems just like gas boilers. They are, however, more expensive than gas boilers and require a lot more room.

Much of Stockton Borough is covered by smoke control areas, so it would be necessary to check that any biomass heater or boiler you chose was exempt from the Smoke Control area legislation.