Why biomass

Biomass is an organic material in solid or liquid form that can be converted into electricity or clean-burning fuels in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner.

It is material that is derived from living, or recently living, biological organisms, and is accepted throughout the world as a replacement for fossil fuels, with its use in energy production contributing towards the reduction of greenhouse gases.

Why is Biomass a ‘Green' Fuel?

Trees absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere using energy from the sun. When wood is burned, the CO₂ is released back into the atmosphere. This process has happened for as long as there have been plants on earth and is part of what is known as the carbon cycle. This refers to the continuous movement of carbon between the atmosphere; seas and oceans; rocks and soils; and plants and animals.

Click on the diagram on the right to see how the carbon cycle works.

Burning fossil fuels means that carbon absorbed millions of years ago is released and makes a net addition to today's carbon cycle. The production and use of waste wood as a renewable fuel is almost carbon neutral. Although CO₂ is released when the wood is burnt, an equivalent amount of CO₂ has been taken from the atmosphere during growth.

Some links to further information on biomass can be found on our Links & Downloads page. You can read our FAQs about the proposed biomass Plant by clicking here.