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What can I do?

Do you want to take a more active interest in biomass? Whether you're thinking about installing a biomass system in your house, or just want to find out about biomass projects in your region, this section may help answer some of the questions you might have.

Can I set up my own biomass system to power my home?

Electricity is generated from biomass by custom-built electricity plants, or from combined heat and power (CHP) plants, which produce both electricity and heat.

However, many people are now installing biomass heating systems on their property. This involves fitting a boiler and accumulator tank, which are powered by wood logs or biomass pellets. Having your own fuel supply increases the economic viability of wood heating, but logs can also be easily purchased from local suppliers.

The system can provide hot water for washing and bathing, and to central heating radiators.

Where can I find out about grants?

The main source of funding for small-scale renewable installations is the Clear Skies programme (www.clear-skies.org). This national, BERR-funded programme forms part of the Community Renewables Initiative. People based in Scotland should contact the Scottish Community and Householder Renewables Initiative at www.est.org.uk/schri.

The Energy Saving Trust website www.est.org.uk provides links to an online ‘grant finder’. This allows you to search for the grants for which you are eligible, according to your circumstances and location.

How do I find an approved installer?

You can search a database of registered installers on the Clear Skies programme website at www.clear-skies.org. You can also search for British Biogen members on the British Biogen website at www.britishbiogen.co.uk.

How can I find out about biomass projects in my area?

You can contact your local council or visit the British Biogen website which contains maps of biomass plants and installations, including those still under development, in the UK.

If you have further questions about biomass, visit Useful links to find other organisations that can help you.