Biomass Stoves and Boilers

The words biomass/bioenergy are used to
describe energy resources derived from organic
matter, such as residues from forestry,
agriculture and industry, or from purpose grown
crops. These resources can be used to provide
heat, electricity and transport fuels.

Using wood chip wood pellets instead of fossil fuels makes
a very positive contribution to the environment. Wood is a
“carbon neutral” fuel. It absorbs as much CO2 when it
grows as is released when it burns. Wood fuel takes just
5-20 years to grow, whereas fossil fuels such as peat and
coal were formed over hundreds of thousands of years.

The main types of wood fuel are chips and pellets. Wood
pellets are compressed wood usually sawdust or wood
shavings. They are typically 6mm in diameter and 6-20
mm in length. Pellets have the advantage of uniformity in
shape and composition, are easy to ignite, are dry,
create little ash (typically .5%) and will flow freely
through feeding mechanisms such as hoppers and
augers.

How it works

Pellets are highly suitable for houses and can be burnt in
either a boiler or a stove. Pellet boilers provide full
central heating and hot water. Stoves provide heating for
a single room. The stoves are available in a number of
styles and can be seen in the stove section of this
website.

Payback and Maintenance

Maintenance is similar to that of a conventional solid fuel
stove. The ash pans of both the stoves and the boilers
will require emptying. This ash can then be used as a
fertiliser, in moderation. An Eirenew technition can be
arranged to call out to your home in the event of your
system needing a service.

Unlike many renewable energy technologies, with
biomass you still need to buy fuel. Wood chip boilers cheaper to run than oil or gas but the price of pellets
depends on your suplier and the volume of pellets you
buy.

Typically a payback period of about 6-8 years can be
expected.