Biomass Insurance

• With the introduction of the governments RHI (Renewable Heat Incentive) it has never been a more affordable time to invest in biomass.
• It is a carbon neutral renewable technology that is much better for the environment  compared with fossil fuels
• The production of energy is cost effective with local fuel source readily available
• The use of biomass can aid in the reduction of animal, food and municipal/landfill wastes
• It is estimated that six full time jobs are created for every MW of energy produced from biomass
• It aids the stability of income for farmers with much of the fuel being sourced from their waste
• It can provide local companies with business opportunities and support the rural community

Bioenergy, in the form of heat or power, is derived from burning plant material and Animal wastes collectively known as biomass. Biomass in its primary form is a carbon-based fuel created by the growth of plants using energy from the sun.  Plants in food chain hence animal waste included. CO2 released during the combustion of biomass is balanced by that absorbed the plants during their growth.  Therefore biomass is classed as a ‘carbon-neutral’ fuel.

Biomass may be split into three main groups:

• Organic waste
• Energy crops
• Multi-functional crops

The process of converting organic matter into useful forms of energy may be split into three separate streams as follows:

• Biomass – (where the action of direct heating releases useful energy )
• Biogas – (where the action of bacteria on decaying material produces a useful fuel)
• Biofuel – (where the composition of vegetable oils are chemically changed or sugar/starch crops are fermented to produce useful liquid fuels).

Note:  all three are derived from biomass, produce biogas and are used as a biofuel

Important points
• Installed plant associated with each process varies significantly and ranges from relatively simple and widely used incinerators in a biomass plant to bespoke petrochemical type installations in a biofuel plant.
• A major feature of this industry is its current rapid expansion and development of new technology such as gasification in municipal waste-to-energy plants and anaerobic digestion for converting animal waste to energy.
• Wide customer base
• Motivation – Revenue generation verses cost avoidance
• Market – Carbon neutral verses carbon free

See the image below for a clear understanding of the process: