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What is Biomass?
Biomass refers to organic material from plants, animals, bacteria, or fungi. In biomass energy, this material is mostly wood-based. It will be burned or converted to generate heat, electricity, or fuel, providing a renewable and carbon‑neutral alternative to fossil fuels.
More: Biomass on Wikipedia
What does biomass heating mean?
Biomass heating refers to the production of heat using organic materials as fuel. In most heating systems, this biomass comes from wood-based fuels such as wood chips, wood pellets, or firewood.
These materials are burned in a boiler or heating system to produce hot water, hot air or steam, which is then used to heat buildings or supply district heating networks. Because the fuel comes from renewable organic matter, biomass heating is considered a renewable and low-carbon alternative to fossil fuel heating.
What is the difference between a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) solution and a Biomass Boiler?
A biomass boiler produces heat only by burning biomass fuels such as wood chips, pellets, or logs. The heat is used to warm buildings or supply hot water for heating systems or district heating networks.
A biomass CHP (Combined Heat and Power) system produces both heat and electricity at the same time from the same biomass fuel. The electricity can be used on-site or exported to the grid, while the heat is used for heating buildings or industrial processes.
Does your equipment come with a warranty?
Like any new equipment, the systems supplied by Commercial Bioenergy come with a minimum one-year warranty. In some cases, extended warranties or service agreements can also be included. Commercial Bioenergy ensures that all equipment complies with applicable local standards and regulations, guaranteeing that it is safe, reliable, and fully approved for use.
Do they require a lot of maintenance? If so, how many times a year?
Modern biomass boilers require relatively little maintenance. Routine maintenance mainly involves periodic cleaning and an annual inspection of the equipment. The cleaner the fuel, the less maintenance the system will require. When using high-quality pellets, a single annual cleaning and maintenance visit may often be sufficient. However, fuels containing higher levels of fine particles, bark, or contaminants such as soil will require more frequent cleaning of the boiler.
Biomass CHP systems typically have more rigorous maintenance requirements, with a planned maintenance program defined by the manufacturer.
Commercial Bioenergy offers service agreements that can include all preventive maintenance required to keep the unit operating reliably and efficiently.
Do you install residential or commercial systems?
Commercial Bioenergy currently installs commercial-scale biomass heating and CHP systems only. The smallest biomass hot water boiler we offer has an output of 60 kW (205,000 BTU/hr), which is typically sufficient to heat a 9,000 sq ft commercial or industrial building with a 16-foot ceiling.
For biomass CHP systems, the smallest available unit produces 18 kWe (electricity) and 44 kWth (thermal energy).
Commercial Bioenergy works closely with its manufacturing partners to ensure that new units are certified to Canadian standards. With potential updates to CSA standards expected during 2026, it may become possible to expand our portfolio to include smaller systems, including residential equipment, depending on future certification requirements.
How much will a system cost?
The cost of a biomass heating or CHP system depends largely on the required output, as well as the size and type of the fuel storage silo. Generally, bioenergy systems are several times more expensive than equivalent fossil fuel equipment. However, this higher upfront cost is offset by fuel that is often significantly less expensive than fossil fuels.
Over the long term, a bioenergy system is almost always a better investment than a fossil fuel system. Depending on your location, it may even be competitive with electricity.
Many federal and provincial incentives are available to support the transition to green energy such as biomass and to accelerate the return on investment (ROI). Commercial Bioenergy is happy to assist in identifying the most suitable subsidies for your project.
How is biomass carbon neutral?
Biomass is considered carbon neutral because the carbon dioxide (CO₂) released when it’s burned was recently absorbed from the atmosphere by the plants or trees as they grew. When sourced sustainably, burning biomass does not add new carbon to the atmosphere, keeping the carbon cycle balanced. This makes biomass a renewable and low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels for heating and energy production.
More: Woodchip Heating: Clean Energy for the Climate and Local Communities
Can I burn other waste products in it?
Our bioenergy systems are designed to use only woodchips and pellets. Burning waste can damage the equipment, harm the environment, and is strictly prohibited by law.
If by “waste” you mean by-products generated by a wood or building industry operation, it may be possible to use this material depending on its specifications. Please contact us to discuss whether your material can be safely and legally used.
Even if the material is technically compatible with our equipment, it is essential to verify that its use complies with local regulations, which can vary by province or region. For example, veneer chips often contain glue residues. In Quebec, only large boilers (3 MW and above) are allowed to burn them, except for veneer factories, which may use their own residues to heat the facility with smaller boilers.
Is biomass generated heat cost effective?
Savings will depend on the fossil fuel being replaced as well as the application. Biomass is defititely cheaper and cleaner than fossil fuels.
Empower Your World With Sustainable and Efficient Bioenergy Solutions!
As the demand for renewable and sustainable energy solutions grows, we at Commercial Bioenergy are dedicated to providing efficient and reliable bioenergy systems. Our cutting-edge biomass technology not only supports market growth but also contributes to the creation of a greener and more sustainable world. Make the switch today and start your journey towards a sustainable energy future.
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