How biomass can help tackle the energy crisis

Stable, renewable alternatives to heat generation

A combination of market changes, increased demand and changes in regulations has led to a global energy crisis. As a result, UK gas prices are four times higher than they were a year ago. Rising prices are causing problems for businesses that want to reduce emissions or boost the economy after the pandemic. Here Luke Worrall, business development manager at biomass installation specialist NerG explains why industry should use the current gas price crisis as an opportunity to turn to greener and more stable markets for heat generation, such as biomass.

The current gas crisis is ongoing and it will keep driving energy prices, with Scottish Power warning businesses to expect around 18 more months of rising energy bills. Natural gas shortages and rising prices occurred just as global leaders prepared for COP26, the UN Climate Change Conference. The summit brings partners together to accelerate action to tackle climate change, focusing on key issues such as transport, infrastructure and energy. The current energy crisis, for example, illustrates the importance to invest in sustainable alternatives to fuel.

Enter biomass

As governments and businesses move away from fossil fuels, biomass becomes a more attractive option.

As well as meeting businesses CSR agendas to reduce their carbon footprint, switching to biomass can offer financial benefits as well. Now that gas prices have risen quite dramatically, and are not likely to come down to COVID or even Pre-Covid times, woodchip can be cheaper than other forms of fossil fuels.

In addition, any business involved in carbon management schemes will know that the price of carbon has risen dramatically recently. The UK ETS launched in May, and the price of carbon came in at over £50/Tonne. This has risen since, and is forecast to continue on this trajectory. Businesses that switch energy use from fossil fuels to biomass will see a dramatic reduction in carbon emissions, not only mitigating their potential financial liability but also offering these businesses the opportunity to trade their carbon allowance.

Upscaling renewables

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) announced that it will provide £4 million in funding to support innovation in the production of sustainable UK  biomass. This forms part of BEIS’ £1 billion net zero innovation portfolio that aims to accelerate the commercialisation of innovative clean energy technologies.

The programme supports companies working to improve productivity by breeding, planting, cultivating and harvesting and funding was given to 24 organisations so that they can deliver commercially viable innovations in biomass production.

“Working to develop new and greener types of fuel like biomass is an important part of building the diverse and green energy mix that we will need to achieve our climate change targets,” explained Energy Minister Lord Callanan. “We are backing UK innovators to ensure we have a homegrown supply of biomass materials, which is part of our wider plans to continue driving down carbon emissions as we build back greener.”

Installation

Businesses do not have to wait for the government to change policies to embrace renewable alternatives such as biomass. The Governments recent incentive scheme, the Non-Domestic RHI, has created an established a knowledgeable industry within the UK that has the capability to understand the technical requirements of designing, installing and servicing biomass heating systems. The technology is proven and is widely used across Europe, and there are already growing resources of timber as the government has been driving tree planting for some time now.

The evidence is clear — we cannot continue to rely on fossil fuels to meet demand, particularly as the country takes action to tackle climate change. As the world looks to more cost effective and sustainable alternatives, it seems the perfect time to invest in biomass — an efficient, cost-effective energy source that delivers a huge Huge carbon savings and energy price security carbon saving.

NerG has been installing biomass boilers since 2013, designing systems from small commercial boilers right through to 6 MW industrial plants. For bespoke support when installing a biomass system get in touch.