| 1. Can renewable heat make a significant difference in our nation’s energy use? |
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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 being subsidized.
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. (Learn More:
Our Nation’s Renewable Energy Portfolio,
What Sweden Has Accomplished) |
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| 2. Is burning wood or other agricultural pellets really carbon neutral? |
| Yes. Wood residuals that are landfilled or left to lie in a forest decompose naturally, producing both carbon dioxide and methane.
Dead wood left standing in a forest poses fire hazards, and will create higher emissions than a controlled burn in a clean pellet stove.
(Learn More:
How Germans are Educating Their Children on Biomass,
Comparison of Carbon Emissions with Ethanol) |
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| 3. How much of an impact can one pellet stove make? |
| Each installation of a pellet 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. (Learn More:
Comparison With Buying a Hybrid Car) |
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| 4. What’s the difference between biomass and biofuels? |
| Biomass refers to solid heating fuels derived from forest or agricultural resources. BioFuels are typically refined liquid fuels
derived from similar sources. Using biomass directly for heat results in significantly more reduction in carbon emissions and makes
better use of our limited supplies of biomass on an energy basis. (Learn More:
Comparison of Carbon Emissions with Ethanol,
Comparison of Energy Use with Ethanol) |
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| 5. Will we deforest our nation in the process of switching to wood pellets? |
| No. There are ample resources in forest residuals and agricultural byproducts to accommodate more than a 100
fold increase in residential heating usage. (Learn More:
We have Ample Biomass Resources) |
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| 6. How do costs compare to natural gas, oil and propane? |
| Historically, the cost of biomass has been much more stable than the cost of fossil fuels, and biomass is currently the
lowest cost heating solution. Long term trends toward depletion of these fossil fuels mean that biomass continues to become
more attractive each year. (Learn More:
Long Term Commodity Trends). |
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| 7. Is America Supportive of Biomass Heating? |
| The EPA strongly supports biomass heating with pellet stoves or clean, modern wood stoves. However, unlike Europe, there
are currently no incentives in place at a national level to promote the use of biomass fuels. (Learn More:
Public Policy). |
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| 8. What areas of the world are most advanced in their use of biomass heating? |
| Countries like Austria, Germany & Sweden have pioneered the use of biomass fuels. In these countries, pellets are used for primary
heat in residences and have displaced oil in most new home builds. (Learn More:
See A Glimpse of The Future in Europe). |
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| 9. Where can I learn more? |
| Additional information can be found on these related websites:
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| 10. Can I switch today? |
| Appliances are available today that can meet the needs of most homeowners in the range of $2,000-3,000.
Solutions are also emerging for business and commercial use. (Learn more –
Residential Systems,
Boiler Systems,
Send Me More Information). |
