Using renewable energy

Using biomass energy and anaerobic digestion

Biomass energy accounts for around 85 per cent of the UK's renewable energy supply. Biomass refers to organic materials, such as wood, straw and energy crops, which can be used to generate electricity, heat and motive power. The energy from biomass can be released by conversion processes such as combustion and fermentation.

Anaerobic digestion is another method of converting biomass. In this process, organic material is broken down by bacteria, in the absence of oxygen, to create methane-rich biogas, which can then be burned to generate heat and electricity.

The payback period for biomass systems is generally five to 12 years, though this can be significantly shorter if cost-free waste wood is available. The payback periods for anaerobic digestion plant vary widely and are highly dependent on local factors, but payback could be between five and ten years.

The pros of using biomass energy and anaerobic digestion

• Using biomass energy and anaerobic digestion can create a way for businesses to use their by-products to generate energy and can also reduce your waste disposal costs.
• Burning biomass fuels releases lower net carbon dioxide emissions than burning coal and gas.
• Biomass and anaerobic digestion can be used in combination with a combined heat and power plant to generate both electricity and heat.

The cons of using biomass energy and anaerobic digestion

• You need to control emissions from burning biomass materials to prevent local air pollution. Any system you install must comply with legislation such as the Clean Air Act.
• Storing biomass fuels can require a large amount of space.
• It can be difficult to identify a secure supply of fuel. If you intend to use by-products from your business you must ensure that suitable quantities will be available.
• You should take into account ongoing environmental impacts such as fuel transportation.

To find out more about using biomass energy and anaerobic digestion:

• read the renewable energy sources technology overview on the Carbon Trust website - Opens in a new window
• read about biomass energy on the Biomass Energy Centre website - Opens in a new window
• download a briefing about anaerobic digestion from the Friends of the Earth website (PDF) - Opens in a new window

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• Renewable energy and your energy policy
• Why use renewable energy?
• Renewable energy options
• Using wind energy
• Using biomass energy and anaerobic digestion
• Using solar energy
• Using geothermal energy and ground source heat pumps
• Using hydroelectric power
• Here's how we use renewable energy

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