Technical Note SB73: Sources of different biomass resources

Biomass for use as a biofuel for heat comes in many forms and from many sources. As plant species each have different chemical composition they will each combust differently. Some species are high in oils and resins while others are high in sugars. Each have different fibre characteristics.

Boilers are designed for combustion of fuels with specific characteristics. If fuels don’t have those design characteristics then the boiler will not operate efficiently.

To assist boiler owners and fuel suppliers to know the characteristics of the fuel required and offered international standards have been prepared.  The ISO 17225 standard series is to provide unambiguous and clear classification principles for solid biofuels and to serve as a tool to enable efficient trading of biofuels and to enable good understanding between seller and buyer as well as a tool for communication with equipment manufacturers. It will also facilitate authority permission procedures and reporting.

Solid biomass covers organic, non-fossil material of biological origin which may be used as fuel for heat and electrical generation.

ISO 17225-1 determines the fuel quality classes and specifications for solid biofuels of raw and processed materials originating from:

• forestry and arboriculture;
• agriculture and horticulture;
• aquaculture.