Poor specification will only damage the reputation of wood biomass, so Simon Holden offers advice on how to select it.
The success of wood biomass heating rests on it being specified for the right projects; simply sticking in renewable equipment for the sake of it will result in dissatisfied customers and for any technology, particularly in its relatively fledgling stages, this is a situation to be avoided. Much of the selling-on of low-carbon alternatives to fossil fuels will be through word of mouth so it is imperative end-users have a good experience.

The equipment itself is not complicated, but installers need to approach biomass in a very different way to everyday gas boilers. A wider view of the customer's heating needs is required including the availability of suitable wood and the means to store and move it. It is not simply a case of fitting a boiler - wood biomass is a whole system package.

Biomass boilers are often large and require space for the fuel, accumulator, and, if using woodchip or pellet, hopper. This makes them more viable for big buildings, such as churches and schools, or larger homes in the countryside.

Rural properties are often dependent on oil and wood presents a great alternative that will dramatically assist in cutting fuel bills. These properties may also be able to get funding towards the cost of equipment through the RHPP; it is important to note however that the RHPP only covers applications up to 45kW.

For end-users that want a less labour intensive way to keep warm, pellet and woodchip boilers are automatically fed from hoppers. The boiler takes the fuel as and when is needed, with the fuel store re-filled at specified times.

A great application for wood biomass is in factories or manufacturing facilities where waste wood is a by-product. Thousands of tonnes of timber is sent to landfill every year. Much of this could either be turned into pellets or chips, or used directly by the businesses that produce it. Using a simple boiler, applicable facilities can feed wood directly into the machine, which then pumps out heat, perfect for warehouses that can be very chilly in winter months.

In order for wood biomass to be as sustainable as possible, the fuel needs to be easily accessible, with minimum distances for delivery. This is another reason why it often presents a particularly good choice for rural customers, some of which may even have managed woodland within the grounds of their property.

For very large applications, pellets or woodchip are the best option, with the boiler automatically fed. The cleanest form of wood fuel is pellets, which, while more expensive, have many benefits to end-users including minimal ash production and reduced storage. Pellets are increasingly easily available from British-based manufacturers throughout the country.

Some businesses can generate 'free' fuel by recycling waste-wood produced. The most important element to consider is fuel storage. The fuel must be kept dry, with a moisture content no more than 20 per cent, to avoid compromising its efficiency.

If you are buying-in fuel, make sure it has been responsibly sourced, from sustainable, UK producers. Critics have claimed that there isn't enough fuel to make wood biomass a viable solution in this country, but this is simply not the case. We waste tonnes of the stuff and, if we managed our woodlands properly, there would be even more to go around. By planting fast-growing species and looking after our forests there's no reason why this country can't sustain its own wood biomass heating.

Wood biomass, as with all other renewable technologies, is something traditional heating contractors should really consider adding to their offering. The demand for this equipment is only set to increase. Besides, by delivering low-carbon alternatives to fossil fuels you are doing your bit to combat global warming. Just make sure your approach is tailored to the individual needs of your customers - renewables are not a one-size-fits all solution; sensible specification is the key to the sector's success.

• Simon Holden is co-founder of Euroheat