The use of sustainable energy sources is key in the decarbonisation efforts of both organisations and countries. Onsite and offsite generation of electricity must be fuelled appropriately such that a credible journey to net-zero is being taken. In this way, biomass has been instrumental thus far in the decarbonisation of specific industries, and for local grids.
What is Biomass?
Biomass is considered any organic matter, including plant and animal products, that can be used as a fuel. More commonly, biomass is wood pellets, dried plant material (such as straw), or even poultry litter, typically burnt to extract energy and ideally harvested in a sustainable, replenishable manner.
Although biomass is attributed to claims of greenwashing, there are various forms of sustainable practices which support in the capture of the carbon dioxide produced when burnt or used for anaerobic digestion.
Where is biomass sourced?
The sustainability credentials of biomass extend to the regenerative nature of the materials being used, as well as the carbon fixation (the removal of carbon dioxide from the air) being provided prior to the harvest of the material. The carbon being removed before harvest and combustion is often seen to compensate for the carbon dioxide being produced at point of energy generation.
For example, the wide usage of wood pellets as biomass fuel. The vast majority of wood pellets used in the UK are sourced from the US, with the preference over wood chips being due to the greater density of energy for the same volume.
Trees, like all plants, can be farmed and will continue to take carbon out of the atmosphere, however, at the rate that certain trees grow it is not sustainable for them to be harvested as a consistent source of fuel.
The slow growth means that unless grown and harvested in a single large area, there will not be enough wood to keep up with the required demand for energy generation. Primary forests are typically considered off-limits and advised to be avoided as a source of farmed wood, however this does not always get adhered to. Therefore, specific wood farms, focusing on certain types of tree (e.g. pine, a fast growing soft wood variety) are established for sustainable growth purposes.
Biomass for biogas purposes has many natural sources, such as the use of rotational crops for farmers looking to reduce their dependence on artificial fertilisers, improve soil health, and have an alternative revenue stream, separate to the traditional market.
The anaerobic digestion of the crop material produces biogas which is largely a mixture of carbon dioxide and biomethane. This can be separated out before the biomethane is injected into the grid. A large benefit to the biomethane production is that it can be harvested locally, utilising native crops which can be transported to local facilities. All of this supports the agricultural sector and reduces the associated carbon footprint of the supplied biomethane.
What is the future of biomass?
Biomass is constantly developing and is far from the perfect product. Sustainable sourcing of the biomass fuels and onsite production are the largest barriers to wider spread adoption.
Criticism in the form of ecological management is widespread, and with the International Energy Agency (IEA) establishing a net zero roadmap that is dependent on biomass, but not accounting for the combustion emissions, there is scepticism over the accounting methods as well. It is therefore important that a refined solution to the appropriate guidance is laid out in the carbon accounting and feedstock growth of the biomass combustion process.
Smaller bodies, such as the Sustainable Biomass Program, advise that all local and regional regulations are met with soils, biodiversity, and natural disasters being taken into account.
Algae
Other emerging biomass sources such as algae and crop feedstock (in anaerobic digestion for biogas) can provide alternative solutions. Algae is utilised primarily in waste-water treatment with the alternative use for biomass combustion commonly being overlooked. Algae technologies revolving around onsite generation are slowly being developed with advantages ranging from the fast growing nature, to the fixation of carbon emissions from combustion going back into the growth tanks.
In a 2019, it was found that 98% of algae within the European Union (EU) was harvested from the wild with 98% of worldwide algae being harvested from aquaculture as biomass, meaning the technology for large scale harvesting is developed and can be effectively used.
Feedstock, Local Crops, Biomethane
Moreover, the use of feedstock from farming practices is becoming an increasingly popular choice for organisation wishing to decarbonise their natural gas supply for measures which are too costly, or impractical to electrify.
The use of local crops to create biomethane, in anaerobic digestion chambers with carbon capture and digestate distribution as fertiliser back to farmers, creates a circular economy with carbon negative credentials.
Businesses can enter into gas power agreements (GPAs) in order secure long term contracts for biomethane supplies.
How NUS can support
NUS work with companies to implement decarbonisation strategies which support corporate objectives and alignment with sustainability reporting standards.
Our energy compliance and reporting services includes full advisory support and development of optimal utility supply strategies, technology implementation, and procurement support in difficult markets; including but not limited to: Guarantees of Origin (GOs) across Europe, Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (GOs) across the UK, Renewable Electricity Certificates (RECs) across North America and International Renewable Electricity Certificates (I-RECs) across other international markets.
NUS can carry out a full RFP process to ensure companies receive bespoke and cost-effective options for energy efficiency technologies, onsite generation, and EAC procurement.
If you require a more detailed conversation regarding the next strategic steps to decarbonising your organisation contact your local NUS consultant or email the NUS Energy and Sustainability Services (ESS) team at UKSustainability@nusconsulting.co.uk.
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