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Biomass

Biomass energy is solar energy stored in organic matter which can be sustainably harvested.  Biomass energy is extracted through combustion.  CO2 emitted during combustion is reabsorbed as the fuel source is regrown, thus the system is carbon neutral.

Biomass fuel is any solid, liquid or gaseous substance produced from organic materials, such as trees, energy crops, grasses, plant parts (i.e. leaves, stems and twigs), ocean plants and animal waste.  Biomass fuels typically include woodchip, logs or pellets.  Alternative fuel sources include manure, sewage sludge, organic fractions of municipal solid waste, used vegetable cooking oil, by products from food and drink industries and from paper and panel board making industry.

Biomass systems generate heat for space heating/cooling, water heating or to raise steam for an industrial process or electricity generation.  A biomass boiler can be used in almost any situation where a normal fossil fuel boiler is used and can supply heat with the same reliability as conventional boilers.

Biomass energy applications include:

• District Heating Systems – a number of heat users are supplied from a centralized boiler plant via a heat distribution network.  End users can include domestic dwellings, schools, businesses hospitals etc.
• Industrial Processes – heat or steam requirements can be met through the use of biomass energy.  Where a suitable heat load exists it may be possible to generate electricity for use on site or for export. Paper mills, distilleries and breweries offer excellent opportunities for biomass technologies.
• Domestic Boilers – logs or wood pellets can be used as an alternative to gas or fuel oil in a small domestic boiler.  Modern automated systems have advanced feeding and control systems and require minimal attention during operation.

RDES have extensive expertise and experience in the biomass sector and offer the following services:

• Feasibility work
• Design and specification of biomass solutions
• Integration of biomass plant
• Facilitating the set up of district heating networks
• Resource assessment
• Establishment of supply chains
• Project development

If  you would like further information on biomass energy or are interested in any of the services above please contact us.