Biomass

Biomass energy is the generation of energy from organic waste. The burning of bio materials produces energy which can be used to produce electricity. It can be created from wood, wood pellets, coppicing, sawdust. Crops such as sunflowers and rapeseed can also be used.

Because the organic material absorbs carbon whilst it is growing, this can offset the emissions created by burning, although harvesting and transportation vehicles will also create emissions which should be considered.

Space for fuel storage must also be considered when looking at installing biomass systems.

NEF Renewables - logpile website
Information on Biomass
http://www.nef.org.uk/renewableenergy/biomass.htm

DTI Renewables - biomass pages
This section introduces the various biomass technologies suitable for domestic use, and where to find information on grants and installers. http://www.berr.gov.uk/energy/sources/renewables/explained/biomass/page16690.html

BERR Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP)
Find out about the LCBP grant programme for biomass. This site includes links to installers, products, manufacturers and grant application forms.
http://www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk/micro/biomass/

Energy Saving Trust (EST) Biomass Fact Sheet http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/content/download/1549/10369/version/
www.est.org.uk/myhome/generating/types/biomass/

Biomass Energy Centre (Forestry Commission)
A 'one stop shop' to provide advice to anyone with a professional or personal interest in biomass derived fuels and associated conversion technologies.
www.biomassenergycentre.org.uk/portal/page?_pageid=73,1&_dad=portal&

Thames Valley Energy
Aims to promote and facilitate practical sustainable energy solutions and provide education for communities, businesses, organisations and individuals within the Thames Valley and beyond. Strong focus on Bio energy
http://www.tvenergy.org/

Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution, (2004) Biomass as a renewable energy source
A comprehensive report covering fuels, technologies, policy and implications of widespread take-up of biomass energy, including issues such as impacts on traffic levels.
www.rcep.org.uk/bioreport.htm

National House Building Council
The NHBC have produced two reports which review the opportunity for microgeneration and renewable technologies. The documents include guides to, technology overview, cost effectiveness and local impact.
http://www.nhbcfoundation.org/Portals/0/NF7%20-%20A%20Review http://www.nhbc.co.uk/NHBCpublications/LiteratureLibrary/