Bio-energy

What it is

Bio-energy uses biomass (organic matter) to generate energy; wood-burning stoves are an example of this. Biomass absorbs carbon dioxide (CO2) as it grows, which balances out the CO2 it releases when burned.

This is known as a carbon neutral process.

The two main categories of biomass are:

• woody biomass like untreated wood 
   
• non-woody biomass like animal waste, biodegradable products from food processing, and high energy crops (like sugar cane)

In homes, people usually use wood pellets, wood chips and wood logs.
 

How it works

The main ways to heat a home using biomass are stand-alone stoves and boilers.

Stand-alone stoves heat a single room using logs or pellets. Generally they are six to 12kW in output and some models can be fitted with a back boiler to heat water.

Boilers connect to central heating and hot water systems. They are suitable for pellets, logs or chips and are usually larger than 15kW.
 

What you need to consider
 

An accredited installer can provide you with detailed advice. The Energy Saving Trust recommends considering the following:

• you need space to store fuel, good access to load the boiler and a fuel supplier
   
• the installation must comply with the Building Regulations (Part J)
   
• if you live in a smoke control area, you can only burn certain fuels and use certain ‘exempt’ appliances – see the link below for more details
   
• if the building is listed or in an area of outstanding natural beauty, you'll need to check with your local authority planning department before fitting a flue