Woody biomass for boiler fuel - Guidelines for payment by energy content

Wood Energy Programme - Engineering Solutions Phase II

Introduction

Woody biomass is an excellent resource for low- or high-grade heat via combustion. It is a valid alternative to fossil fuels, with benefits of being carbon neutral and renewable and fitting within the New Zealand Energy Strategy.

The use of woody biomass has been limited, as it has lower energy content per unit of weight or volume than alternatives such as coal or gas. Woody biomass is also bulky and awkward when processed into hog fuel and thus requires specialised, and often expensive, handling equipment and storage facilities.

To increase and improve the use of woody biomass as a fuel its value needs to be better understood and improved where possible. The easiest method to increase the value of woody biomass as a fuel is to ensure it is clean and dry.