Resources

FAQ

Can renewable heat make a significant difference in our nation’s energy use?
Heating is roughly a third of our nation’s use of energy. Biomass is already the single largest contributor among our renewable energy sources, outpacing solar, wind and geothermal sources combined- and this is without receiving the government subsidies these other technologies enjoy. In Europe, countries such as Sweden, Austria and Germany have already made a significant impact on their oil use through the widespread use of biomass heating.

Is burning wood or other agricultural pellets really carbon neutral?
No. No renewable energy source is completely carbon neutral. However, Biomass is generally considered to be a very low carbon energy source by experts and US government agencies so long as it is sustainably harvested. Like solar and wind, small amounts of carbon are used to harvest or produce it, but this is relatively insignificant when compared to conventional fuel sources like oil, gas and coal. Wood produces carbon whether it is burned or when it decomposes naturally. Either way, it is part of a renewable carbon cycle. The difference is that wood residuals that are land filled or left in a forest to decompose naturally produce not only carbon dioxide but methane as well. Methane is 21 times more potent a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide! Dead wood left standing in a forest also occasionally burns in wildfires, which create much worse emission issues than a controlled burn in a wood or pellet stove or furnace.

How much of an impact can one pellet or wood stove make?
Each installation of a pellet or wood appliance in a single-family home in a cool climate can displace about 9 tons of carbon emissions annually. That is about three times the impact of buying a hybrid car, for roughly half the cost.

What’s the difference between biomass fuels and biofuels?
Biomass refers to solid heating fuels derived from forest or agricultural resources. Biofuels are typically refined liquid fuels derived from similar sources like ethanol. Using biomass directly for heat results in significantly more reduction in carbon emissions and makes better use of our limited supplies of biomass.

Will we deforest our nation in the process of switching to wood or pellets?
No, if proper harvest techniques are adhered to. Wood and pellets for heating comprise a very small use compared to the paper and pulp industries, as well as to biomass used for electricity generation. Biomass electricity is projected to increase substantially under renewable electricity portfolio incentives, but uses biomass resources very inefficiently. There are ample resources in forests, forest residuals, and agricultural byproducts to accommodate a many fold increase in usage for direct residential heating.

How do costs compare to natural gas, oil and propane?
Historically, the cost of biomass is much more stable than the cost of fossil fuels and it will remain much more stable in the coming years. Oil, propane and electricity are far more expensive sources of energy for heating purposes. Gas prices are sometimes comparable to biomass, depending on variable prices for both energy sources (many wood stove users get all or some of their wood at little to no cost). Long-term trends toward depletion of these fossil fuels mean that biomass continues to become more attractive each year.

Is America Supportive of Biomass Heating?
Generally, biomass heating receives much less government support than wind or solar in the US. Individuals receive a 30% federal tax credit with no upper limit for wind, solar and geothermal, but biomass stoves and furnaces receive 30% with a cap of $1,500. Other renewable energy producers receive production credits – wind, solar, geothermal, biomass for electricity production, etc. based on their kilowatt-hours produced. There are no commercial production credits for producing thermal biomass. In contrast, European countries prioritize biomass for heating because it is the most efficient use of forest resources. Use for heat captures 70 – 90% of biomass energy, while electric production captures less than 30%. Ethanol captures only about 15%.

Which areas of the world are most advanced in their use of biomass heating?
Countries like Austria, Germany, and Sweden have pioneered the use of biomass fuels. These countries have particularly advanced pellet furnaces used as primary sources of heat in many residences, displacing oil furnaces in most new home builds.

Where can I learn more?

Additional information can be found on these related websites:

• Biomass Thermal Energy Council
• BERC
• Woodheat.org
• The Pellet Fuels Institute
• Hearth.com
Are there any tax credits available?
Yes. As of January, 2011, there is a federal tax credit of 10% of purchase of a wood or pellet stove that is at least 75% efficient up to $300. During 2009 and 2010 the cap on the individual tax credit was $1,500. Montana, New Hampshire, Idaho and Oregon also offer state incentives. Additionally some counties also provide property tax credits or even rebates. Appliances are available today that can meet the needs of most homeowners in the range of $2,000-3,000 for wood or pellet stoves and $7,000 - $12,000 for furnaces.