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Biomass fuel is organic material that can be used to produce energy such as: wood, plants, manure and household waste. All of these produce energy, however when it comes to heating your home wood is the most popular choice. 

Biomass fuel does release CO2 when burned, however the impact is less than fossil fuels in gas or oil boilers. Burning biomass fuels can release other harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter especially if used incorrectly. 

The two main types of biomass heating are:

• Biomass stoves – That burn logs or pellets to heat a single room, and would be combined with another heating system. Some come with back boilers that can heat water, which can then be used to heat taps or radiators. 
• Biomass boilers – That burn logs, pellets or chips and connect to a small central heating system. A biomass boiler would be used instead of an oil boiler to heat your home and hot water. 

Why is biomass classed as a renewable energy source? 

Energy from biomass heating is said to be renewable if it comes from a sustainably managed source i.e. where the wood or other materials are regularly replaced by new growth. 

That means that the CO2 released when the fuel burns is matched by the CO2 absorbed by the new growth. Sustainable fuel should also be produced in a way that supports biodiversity. Most wood fuel on sale in the UK now comes from sustainable sources, but it’s important to check. The process is carbon neutral if new plants continue to grow in place of those used for fuel. 

Benefits: 

• Low carbon option – it is a low carbon option when compared to fossil fuels like oil. 
• Can be used as a hybrid system – a biomass system can be installed alongside air source heat pumps and would provide a safety net in the instance that there is a power cut.  

Cost of installing a biomass system

A biomass stove can cost around £1000 plus installation, and a biomass boiler including installation costs around £14,000. 

Pellet and wood costs also need to be taken into account. You’ll also need an area to store your wood. 

Funding is available via Home Energy Scotland for biomass installations in the form of a grant and loan. You can read more about it here. 

Maintenance 

There is more hands-on maintenance required with a biomass system compared to a system like heat pumps. 

• Sweep the boiler or stove regularly. A boiler should be once a week whereas you should sweep a stove before each use. 
• Sweep the chimney and flue at least twice a year, preferably before and after the heating season. 
• Like any other heating system, you should conduct a yearly inspection.
• If using a log burning, only use logs which have been seasoned (air-dried) for at least a year.

Accredited Providers 

When starting your journey to making home improvements, it is important to choose a certified installer when installing a renewable energy system. You can read more about choosing the right installer here.

Funding

Some funding is available for Biomass heating via Home Energy Scotland. See our full guide on funding here. Please note – the grant/loan does not support non-automated, non-pellet stoves or room heaters. Written evidence must also be provided as to why a heat pump and high heat retention storage heaters are not suitable.

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