ABSTRACT
Biomass is a high-grade, locally available source of energy that can be used at a range of scales to support domestic and commercial use. Biomass heating and combined heat and power (CHP) systems have become a major component of the low-carbon strategy for many projects, as they can provide a large renewable energy component at a relatively low initial cost. A wide range of technologies have been developed for processing various forms of biomass, including anaerobic digesters and gasifiers. However, the main biomass technology is solid fuel combustion, as a heat source, CHP unit or energy source for electricity generation. Compared with solar or wind power installations, the initial costs of biomass systems are low, the technology is well established and energy output is dependable. As a result, the real challenge for successful operation of a biomass system is associated with the reliable sourcing of feedstock.
