Most boiler suppliers and manufacturers offer a biomass option — but what is driving the demand for biomass, and how can you ensure a successful installation? Here are some pointers.

As the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change releases its latest report and Gordon Brown turns green, it would appear that the subjects of global warming and carbon emissions are once again at the top of everyone’s agenda — both in the realms of politics and building services. One of the noticeable effects of this trend has been the increased specification of biomass boilers and heating systems.

So what are the drivers behind the installation of biomass?

Reduction targets

The primary driver in the UK is the attempt to meet the Government’s target of a 60% reduction in carbon-dioxide emissions by 2050. Alongside that target, the EU target of a 20% reduction by 2020 is also having an effect.

A recent report by Ernst & Young suggests that the 20% reduction is certainly economically achievable and that as much as 50% reduction is technically achievable.

However, the present Government is talking about an 80% reduction. Faced with that prospect along with the Code for Sustainable Homes and the revised Building Regulations, more and more specifiers and engineers are turning to sustainable and renewable heating systems —particularly in the public sector.

But why biomass? That is an interesting question. In the realm of public procurement, biomass is certainly seen as a key plank in the fight against global warming, climate change and carbon-dioxide emissions.

Although heat pumps are used for space heating, solar systems generally aren’t, so biomass once again comes to the fore. Reports show that after capital costs are taken in to consideration, biomass is approximately a third of the cost of oil and two-thirds the cost of natural gas. Also, after energy conservation measures, biomass heating is the cheapest way to reduce energy bills and reduce carbon emissions. Amongst farmers, country estates and rural businesses, where access to wood is relatively easy, there is a definitely an aspirational AGA-style factor — where a ‘showing-off’ to neighbours and friends comes into play.

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