Biomass pellets: An environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels
What are wood pellets?
Conventional wood burning means renewable tree wood, but in contrast, wood pellets are mainly made from “leftovers” from sawmilling processes - this means twigs, cut off branches, etc. As these remnants and? certain logs were considered waste, by using these means that discarded parts and debris are turned into an efficient low-carbon biofuel.
Also, the use of surplus timber and timber waste means less logging from natural forests is required
The pellet industry sources an estimated 85% of its fibre from by-products generated by sawmills and related industries. A 2022 study confirms that wood pellets in British Columbia are exclusively derived from sawmill and harvest residuals, or from low-quality logs and bush grind that would otherwise be rejected by other industries.
How are they made?
The simple explanation is that moisture is removed from leftover wood and subsequently ground down into small particles - essentially dust. This is then compressed into small pellets.
Within all forms of wood there is an organic polymer called lignin. During this process, heat is applied. causing lignin, which normally adds structure and hardness to the plant cells, to act as a binding agent for pellets - hence no additives are required to keep the shape of the pellets
Therefore wood pellets are natural – no chemicals or extracts are added that could harm the environment. Wood pellets help reduce air pollution and have a lesser impact on human health.
Are wood pellets a sustainable, low-carbon source of energy?
Studies have demonstrated that allowing a tree to decompose results in significantly higher emissions compared to burning pellets, which releases far fewer carbon emissions. This suggests that replanting new trees, which are able to absorb CO2, can contribute to improved carbon elimination.
Wood pellets are recognized by scientists and global agencies as a biofuel offering climate benefits compared to fossil fuels. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) acknowledges the significant potential of biomass—compared to fossil energy
Using waste wood: an example.
In 2015, the Bobtail Lake fire devastated over 25,000 hectares of land in the vicinity of Prince George, Canada. Historically, the burnt trees would have naturally decomposed, releasing carbon gradually and squandering a precious resource.?
However, in 2019, a bioenergy firm initiated the process of salvaging the fire-damaged trees, transforming them into pellets to generate eco-friendly energy for consumers in Europe and Asia.?
As a result, in 2020, the company undertook the task of reforesting the once-charred terrain by planting over one million seedlings, establishing a carbon sink in the area.
Why are they more efficient?
Wood pellets are utilised as a low-carbon substitute for coal in the realm of industrial electricity generation. These pellets undergo a process where they are ground into dust, combined with air, and then continuously fed into a flame to produce steam, which in turn is used to generate electricity
Biomass in the form of pellets offers a significant advantage due to its energy density, which indicates the amount of energy that can be contained within a specific quantity of the material.
When considering wood and its byproducts such as wood chips and sawdust, they do not possess a high energy density individually. For instance, a kilogram of wood contains relatively low energy when compared to other fuels like coal, diesel, or uranium.
Low cost and compact.
Another advantage is that it is cost effective. Even with extreme gas prices, causing wood prices to increase, in contrast wood pellet prices are more stable even when other factors cause price hikes.
Storing and transporting is easier due to the compactness of pellets compared with wood chips, coal, etc. They are safer to transport as well.
How do wood pellets compare to other fuels?
The use of wood pellets in the energy industry is on the rise worldwide as a replacement for fossil fuels, resulting in a significant reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.?
A recent study conducted at a power station in the United Kingdom revealed that, despite accounting for fossil fuel emissions throughout the supply chain, including harvesting, manufacturing, and transportation, wood pellets can lower GHG emissions by over 80 percent when compared to coal.
Every type of fuel releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, however, the origin of the fuel plays a significant role in its environmental impact.?
For instance, coal is a non-renewable resource that produces more energy compared to biomass. When coal is burned, the high concentration of carbon molecules leads to a greater emission of CO2 per unit of energy.
On the other hand, biomass energy is derived from organic materials such as leftover wood and plant matter. Since wood can be regrown and replenished, the carbon dioxide emitted during its combustion is offset by the regrowth of new vegetation. This makes biomass a renewable energy source that helps in reducing the overall carbon footprint and mitigating the effects of climate change.
Given these factors, woody biomass stands out as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. By utilising biomass energy, we can move towards a cleaner and greener energy transition while reducing our reliance on non-renewable resources like coal. Embracing renewable energy sources like biomass is crucial in our efforts to combat climate change and protect the environment for future generations.
A study concluded that “Pellet stoves provide a modern alternative to wood stoves. They are designed to only burn pelletized wood, from which particle concentrations in the flue gas in the range of 13–81 mg/MJ have been reported consequently lower than in the flue gas from wood stoves.”
A subsequent article also pointed out that pellets show benefits including drastically reduced greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels. “Wood pellet fuel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 54 percent vs. home heating oil, and 59 percent vs. natural gas.”
Utilising wood pellets for heating purposes can result in a carbon emissions reduction of up to 90% in comparison to using oil for heating. By ensuring that the forests providing the wood pellet material are sustainably managed, the overall carbon footprint is greatly minimised when compared to traditional fossil fuel heating methods.?
How much does it burn compared to other fuels?
For example, modern pellet stoves such as the MCZ range offer a drastic reduction in electricity consumption and emissions of up to 55% below the European Ecodesign limits.
By exploiting the principles of gasification, Core technology ensures cleaner and more sustainable combustion than conventional stoves.
After the pellets are ignited in an oxygen-depleted atmosphere, the fuel’s gasification stage begins. It is only afterwards, through skilful injection of combustion air, that the chemical reactions between the gases and oxygen take place. It burns the pellets and burns the gases produced, guaranteeing a drastic reduction in emissions, up to 55% lower than the European Ecodesign limits.
Cost calculations.
Comparing costs is somewhat difficult, as it is based on the amount of burn rate, temperature, and other factors.
For example, firing up a radiator will take time to heat a house. Whereas a biomass pellet stove such as the MCZ range is instant heat in a shorter amount of time.
Using the excellent calculator by NuEnergy https://nuergy.co.uk/fuel-cost-calculator/ we can work out the approximate savings. As you can see, pellets are far cheaper than mains gas and electricity, plus the flexibility of control.
The below figures don’t include electricity and gas standing charges, so it makes pellets even more cost effective. The data used is calculated from gas at ￡0.34 kWh; electricity at ￡0.24 kWh, while pellets in bulk and bagged are at ￡420 and ￡434
Storing wood pellets.
Storing wood pellets is a straightforward process as they can be stored in any dry room without any complications. These pellets are not easily ignited and do not present a major fire risk. On the other hand, fossil fuels such as fuel oil, gas, diesel, and coal are extremely flammable and release unpleasant odors.
Other uses.
Pizza ovens/Pellet BBQs - Pellets can be used in pizza ovens and BBQs as they are easy to use. They can be loaded onto the grill, ignited and then used. Specific pellets are available with different aromas, such as smokey, maple, etc. specific for such uses.
Domestic spillages - Pellets can sometimes absorb 3 to 4 times their weight in liquid, therefore can be used to deal with spillages
Cat litter - Pellets can also be used for cat litter, as it’s a natural material that is sustainable. It’s compostable and biodegradable. There is also minimal dust and tracking, which is more comfortable for felines.?
Bedding (horse / chicken / farm) - Pellets can be used for horse bedding, and tend to be a bit easier and less messy than natural straw and shavings. The absorbent properties make it easier to spot clean areas. Absorbing moisture in colder conditions keeps the humidity under control, therefore preventing mould, etc.
Conclusion: A future fuel.
Wood pellets offer clean burning and high thermal efficiency. They provide a stable and uniform heat output, maximising energy use and reducing the amount of fuel needed. This not only conserves energy but also lowers operating costs and minimises environmental impact.
The climate change committee has concluded that biomass will play an important role in decarbonising the UK's economy through to 2050.?
A range of biomass sources, including organic waste, dedicated energy crops, and leftover materials from forestry and agriculture, have demonstrated promise for environmentally friendly and low-emission manufacturing, as long as certain key criteria are met.
The UK government's Biomass strategy highlights Biomass as a versatile resource capable of producing a range of energy forms including power, heat, and transport fuels. Moreover, it offers the potential to replace fossil fuels in chemicals, materials, and products, positioning it as a valuable renewable energy source.
Wood pellets serve as a sustainable fuel option that does not add to overall carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The CO2 produced when burning wood pellets is offset by the CO2 absorbed by trees as they grow.?
By substituting traditional fossil fuels such as coal or oil with wood pellets, there is a notable decrease in CO2 emissions, which aids in addressing the greenhouse effect and fighting against climate change.
MCZ range - the future of stove heating.
MCZ pellet stoves are designed for convenience and automation, as they are equipped with automatic ignition and temperature control. This makes them user-friendly and low-maintenance.?
Additionally, certain models can be scheduled to activate and deactivate at set times, enabling you to uphold a consistent and comfortable temperature in your residence without the need for continuous supervision.
MCZ pellet stoves are known for their cleanliness, as they generate minimal smoke, soot, and creosote in comparison to conventional wood stoves. This results in less frequent chimney maintenance and a lower chance of chimney fires.
MCZ pellet stoves offer uniform and steady heat distribution across your living area, ensuring there are no uneven temperature spots like those often found with conventional wood-burning stoves. They achieve this by circulating warm air with fans.
Drastically reduced PM2.5 emissions in comparison to wood burning stoves, meaning that the MCZ range is a flame based alternative for those who are concerned about any emissions. The PM2.5 released by MCZ stoves are practically to a minimum - screeching tyres, incense sticks and cooking bacon release far more PM2.5 than the MCZ will.
Emissions.
Current DEFRA requirements set limits of 1% CO and 5.5 g/hr of smoke. Since 2022, The EcoDesign have lowered these requirements to 0.12% CO and 2.4 g/hr of smoke?
As you can see, the MCZ stove is a massive improvement over a typical wood burning stove, with improvements in emissions and an overall improvement of 699% in emissions to a normal wood burning stove.
The new CORE technology found in the MCZ Mako appliance, uses gasification to produce a cleaner and consistent flame picture, within the stoves the heat output parameters.
The CORE technology also uses approx. 10% less fuel than the traditional pellet stoves.
MCZ pellet stoves offer a cutting-edge answer to the current and future heating market needs by utilising biomass as a sustainable energy source, thus decreasing carbon emissions.?
Given the points outlined in this piece, opting for MCZ pellet stoves is a logical choice for those looking to upgrade their heating systems.