Biomass: Feasibility

 

Biomass woodfuel technology has many benefits including cost and carbon savings. However, biomass systems are not always feasible for every site, and there are several key issues which must be considered when deciding if you can or should have a biomass system.

Fuel Supply

  • Is there a local and sustainable supplier? It is important to check prior to considering any biomass system that there will be available fuel to power the system. Fuel must be good quality, sustainably sourced and ideally come from the local area. For more information on fuel supply in your area please contact CEN.

Technical Feasibility

  • Is there space for the boiler? Biomass boilers are often larger than fossil fuel equivalents, and will take up more space in a plant room and require good access for installation.
  • Is there space/access for the fuel? Fuel can be delivered and stored in various ways, dependent on the site and type of fuel. For more information on fuel storage and delivery, please see our delivery and storage page.

Economic Feasibility

  • What is your budget? Biomass boilers are usually more expensive than fossil fuel alternatives, however running costs can be lower, and there are opportunities for grant funding and financial aid. For more information on the economics of woodfuel, click here.
  • What is the payback? Woodfuel systems can offer good payback periods, as well as carbon savings. Despite a higher capital cost, it is important to consider the payback period, as woodfuel systems can make an economically sensible investment.

Legislative Feasibility

  • Are you in a smoke control area or an air quality management area, or does the boiler have a burn rate of over 45.4kg/hr? Additional restrictions on biomass woodfuel systems can be in place dependent on local air quality and planning conditions. For more information on legislative requirements, please visit our legislation page.

CEN can provide a technical appraisal to assess the feasibility of a biomass system for your site, including costs and payback periods. For more information on CEN services, click here, alternatively further information regarding assessing biomass feasibility is available to download from the download page.

Back to main biomass page.

 

      Publications