What is Biomass - and Why Should Businesses Care?

If you are considering how to make your business greener or more energy secure, you've probably heard a lot about solar panels and wind farms. But it's important to understand that there's another energy source that doesn’t always get the spotlight: biomass.

It might not sound as futuristic as some of the other energy solutions out there, but biomass is a powerful, reliable way to generate low carbon energy, and one that is becoming an increasingly popular move for businesses across the UK.

Next, we will take you through what biomass is, why it’s worth paying attention and when it may be a beneficial move for you and/or your business.

In simple terms, biomass is a source of energy that is produced from organic products. That could mean wood pellets, agricultural waste, food scraps, or even specially grown crops that are turned into fuel.

Instead of letting those materials break down naturally and release carbon into the atmosphere, the energy is captured, either by burning the sources for heat or by processing them to produce energy.

One major benefit of energy produced from biomass is that it has a far smaller greenhouse gas impact than fossil fuel sources. While the end-to-end process of biomass production and energy generation cannot be accurately described as fully carbon neutral (emissions are generated during the harvest, processing and transport, for example), the burning of biomass to generate energy releases an equivalent amount of carbon to the amount absorbed by the plants as they grow. The system may not be perfect, but when managed appropriately, it’s one of the better ways to keep energy clean and circular.

For businesses, there are many ways in which they can take advantage of biomass. Some opt to install biomass boilers for heating, whereas others go bigger and invest in Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems that generate electricity and heat at the same time. Either way, the principle’s the same: using organic materials to create renewable energy.

You can be forgiven for being unsure whether biomass is a good fit for your business, considering the more widely known benefits of solar and wind - but biomass has many of the same valuable features as other renewable sources, and deserves consideration.

Grants and Incentives

Many governments still offer support for renewable heating projects, including biomass.

Energy Resilience

Biomass can be sourced locally, which cuts down on transport costs and protects against market volatility. 

In the UK, biomass has carved out a solid place within the nation’s energy landscape.

You can find businesses using biomass boilers to heat offices, warehouses, and in some cases, even schools and hospitals. Some rural businesses are particularly keen because they can source fuel like wood chips from nearby.

While the national Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme has closed to new applicants, there are still regional grants and funding pots to support renewable heating installations. And for businesses that stick to suppliers listed on the Biomass Suppliers List (BSL), there’s the bonus of proving sustainability compliance, something that’s becoming increasingly important for ESG reporting.

Of course, biomass isn’t a solution that will suit every business and its needs.

You’ll need to make sure you’ve got:

·       Reliable access to fuel (preferably local, if you’re looking to save on transport costs and minimise your carbon footprint)

·       Space for storage and boiler systems

·       Plans for maintenance and fuel deliveries

You’ll also need to make sure any project aligns with emissions regulations specific to your country or region.

There’s much more to consider than a simple flipping of a switch, but the rewards, both environmental and financial, can certainly make the effort worth it.

At a time when businesses are under pressure to drive decarbonisation, cut costs, and show leadership on sustainability, biomass deserves a thorough investigation to understand the specific benefits it can bring to your business.

It’s a renewable solution that’s already demonstrated value around the world - and for the right business, in the right place, it can be a game-changer.

If you’re curious about how biomass could fit into your energy strategy, here at SEFE Energy, we are ready to work as your strategic partner to help your business achieve its energy goals.