Renewable Energy Sources - Biomass Boilers

Wood is a carbon neutral fuel source – as a tree or plant grows it absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while returning oxygen to it. When burnt, only the carbon dioxide absorbed during its growth is released again. It is also very low in both sulphur and nitrogen, the primary causes of acid rain, and waste ash left after burning is able to be composted or used as fertiliser.

Woodchip boilers are a cost effective and reliable technology which is gaining increased popularity. Due to their nature they are ideal for new builds, but also suitable for a retro-fit/renovation.

Wood can be burnt in boilers which heats water, which is pumped throughout the building, or, via a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system, it can provide both heating and generate electricity.

Wood fuel contains 80% of the calorific value of coal and represents the main European renewable energy source. It is well established, providing Denmark and Austria with around 40% of their domestic heating via efficient wood fuel stoves, plus around 20% of primary energy production in Finland. The wood fuel comes in the form of pellets, chips and logs. When logs, chips and pellets are available in high volumes, a wood chip boiler system is cheaper to install and run than a conventional oil or gas boiler.