Biomass Boilers

Biomass Boilers provide heating and hot water for your home by burning natural materials such as logs, wood chips and wood pellets. They are a sustainable alternative to gas boilers because the plant based wood fuel they use can come from a renewable energy source. Biomass fuel suppliers promote burning wood for energy as carbon-neutral although this depends on how the wood is sourced.

The move away from fossil fuels is also encouraging boiler manufacturers to research new technologies such as dual fuel boilers. In January 2023, Carl Arntzen, CEO of boiler manufacturer Worcester Bosch, said they were looking at a hybrid of a gas boiler with an electric heat pump.

The UK Government has launched the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) for people living in England and Wales. Their aim is to encourage householders to switch to low-carbon heating systems in place of existing gas or oil heating.

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme will only provide support to properties that do not have recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation on their EPC. It includes air source heat pumps (ASHP), ground source heat pumps (GSHP), including water source heat pumps or Biomass Boilers that are replacing fossil fuel heating systems.

The amount of grant available depends on the type of system:

★ Biomass Boilers: £5,000 off cost and installation
★ Air Source Heat Pumps: £7,500 off cost and installation
★ Ground Source Heat Pumps: £7,500 off cost and installation

Homeowners cannot apply for the grant directly. The MSC certified installer will submit the application to Ofgem on your behalf. Eligibility information is available on the www.ofgem.gov.uk web site.