Biomass as a renewable energy source

Biomass is one of the most stable and predictable renewable energy sources, playing a key role in the energy transition and decarbonisation. Its renewable nature stems from the fact that the raw materials used – plant-based by-products, forestry waste, agricultural residues – are part of a natural cycle and are continuously reproduced.

source: HeatVentors

Based on the natural carbon cycle

The use of biomass for energy is part of the biological carbon cycle. During their growth, living plants bind CO₂ from the atmosphere, which is released during energy use. With sustainable management, this process is balanced, so the use of biomass does not increase the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere compared to fossil fuels.

Locally available, continuously renewable resource

One of the greatest advantages of biomass is that it is locally available, reduces dependence on imported energy and strengthens security of supply. Furthermore, the use of industrial and agricultural by-products for energy purposes creates value from materials that would otherwise be considered waste.

The CO₂ equivalent of different energy sources is determined by the EEC Regulation, which applies a full life-cycle approach. This clearly reflects the renewable nature of biomass in the calculations: it is reproduced within a relatively short period of time as part of the natural cycle, and the CO₂ released during energy production is reabsorbed by living vegetation over time. This is a significant difference compared to fossil fuels, where the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere during use remains there permanently.

The ÉKM regulation is based on the internationally recognised ecoinvent v3.8 life cycle database, which is in line with the GHG (Greenhouse Gas) Protocol. This standardised framework provides a uniform methodology for measuring and calculating greenhouse gas emissions.

The following factors are taken into account in the life cycle analysis:

·        the energy consumption required to extract the energy source,

·        the energy requirements of the transport and logistics network,

·        energy consumption related to storage,

·        the energy required for operation and demolition work,

·        and the total energy requirements of waste management.

According to the ÉKM regulation, the CO₂ equivalent of biomass is 40 g/kWh, while that of natural gas is 297 g/kWh.