Economic
- The cost of wood pellets is competitive with that of fossil fuels, and in many instances wood pellets are cheaper.
- Using wood pellets reduces our reliance on fossil fuels.
- Exempt from climate change levy and other carbon taxes.
- Costs unlikely to become as volatile as oil and gas prices.
Environment
- Wood Pellets are a renewable source of energy.
- Wood Pellets reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Wood Pellets are considered carbon neutral during combustion - biomass needs carbon dioxide to grow, the carbon dioxide given off when burnt is equal to the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed during the growth of the tree, creating a "closed carbon cycle".
- Average UK household produces 6.2 tonnes carbon dioxide a year from mains gas. Wood pellets would produce 0.7 tonnes carbon dioxide (Based on consumption of 23kw boiler and 28,000kwh pa.)
Versatile
- Wood pellets can be used in pellet stoves, pellet boilers, heating furnaces and similar heating systems. Manufacturers of these appliances are now readily available in the market place (see our links section for recommended suppliers and installers)
Wood Pellets vs Wood Chip
- Pellets are more energy dense than wood chip (16.8 GJ/tonne vs variable 10 to 14.5 GJ/tonne.)
- As above, pellets are of a consistent calorific value, thus preventing any variances in heat production.
- Pellets have a greater volumetric density (650 Kg/m³ vs 200 Kg/m³), thus reducing storage construction costs, and delivery and handling costs.