Biomass Boilers, Pellet Boilers and Wood Burning Stoves: UK Guide 2025

Written-by

Janet Richardson

Reviewed-by

Richard Burdett-Gardiner

Updated on

Dec 31, 2024

Biomass Boilers, Pellet Boilers and Wood Burning Stoves: UK Guide 2025

An Introduction to Biomass Boilers

Biomass boilers are a low-carbon and renewable energy source which burn biological plant material - predominantly wood - in order to generate heat or both heat & electricity for combined units. Biomass can be used to heat spaces and water for homes, businesses and communities and can replace existing coal, gas or oil boilers.

The links in the menus give you all the biomass boiler information you need to be able to make an informed decision about whether the technology is the right renewable energy source for you. A small breakdown of what is contained in our articles can be found below, this will help you find the information you are looking for.

The History of Biomass Heating Systems

Utilising the heat energy in Biomass material is an age old practice. It started when we learned to harness fire to our benefit. Wood is the oldest and widest used fuel source and is still used worldwide to provide heat for a range of purposes. As we learned to use biomass to create a more efficient fuel we have developed a range of biofuels. This creation of biofuels using plant matter or organic waste that are converted into fibers or industrial chemicals has become the second biggest use of biomass today. 

Biofuels are classified into two main categories. An example, biofuels such as bioethanol can be produced by first generation biofuels that are derived from sources such as sugarcane and corn starch. The way that we burn biomass and the efficiency of the systems that harness its heat energy have evolved.

Now we have highly efficient systems designed to heat whole properties through radiators and under floor heating systems; they can heat the water we use at the same time and provide heat for cooking. Modern boiler systems can be self-loading, incorporate climate control at the touch of a button and can self-ignite on a timing system much like a standard gas boiler.

Technological advances have also improved energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions, positioning biomass boilers as a viable alternative to traditional fossil fuel heating systems like gas or oil boilers.

How do Biomass Boiler Systems Work?

There are two main ways in which biomass heating systems work. Firstly a standalone stove that burns logs or pellets to heat a single room; these stoves can also be fitted with a back boiler to provide water heating as well. Secondly a biomass boiler that can burn pellets, logs, wood chips or other biomass fuels. These boilers are usually connected to a central heating and/or hot water system.
To find out exactly how these systems work click how do biomass boilers work to read our extensive article. 

Types of Biomass System and their Various Components

There is a vast range of biomass boilers and other biomass heating systems currently available, from fully automated boilers to small pellet boiler and wood boiler. Our article on types of biomass boilers tells you all about what is on offer, small to large and how their components come together to offer you a range of heating solutions. We provide a detailed breakdown of how these various systems offer you a clean and carbon friendly solution to your heating needs. In this article we also tell you about all the biomass fuel types that various biomass systems utilise to provide heat.

Benefits and Drawbacks

There are many benefits to exploit from biomass heating systems; in this section we explain what these benefits are and how you can achieve them. Firstly biomass heating systems can help you lower your property’s carbon emissions; biomass fuels produce a fraction of the carbon emissions of fossil fuels and when used in a sustainable, managed way they can even be carbon neutral.

Click the following link for detailed information on the benefits of installing a biomass heating systems. This article also lists the potential drawbacks of a biomass system in order to offer you a complete and unbiased representation of this technology group.

How much do Biomass Heating Systems Cost?

This section tells you approximately how much you would need to spend to acquire a biomass heating system. Most options are not cheap, costing up to three or four times more than a standard fossil fuel boiler. However, once installed they can significantly lower your heating bills and help protect you from ever rising fuel costs. 

Fuel prices can vary depending on availability and other factors. Use the information in this section to work out if a biomass boiler can save you money and if so, roughly how much. We also provide detailed information on a great range of finance options and financial aids that can help you with the sizable initial investment of your proposed system - How much do Biomass Boilers Cost?

Biomass Boiler Maintenance 

Biomass boilers require regular maintenance, including ash removal, fuel system checks, and periodic cleaning, to ensure optimal efficiency and performance. Our article How do biomass boilers work will guide you through your system’s maintenance requirements. Whilst a lot of this can be done by the system’s owner, a qualified professional should look over your system on an annual basis.

Financial Benefits of Biomass Heating Systems 

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) for biomass boilers is a crucial initiative aimed at promoting renewable energy adoption, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing energy efficiency. Biomass boilers are an environmentally-friendly alternative to fossil fuel-based heating systems, as they utilize sustainable organic materials such as wood pellets, agricultural waste, or forestry residues to generate heat.

The scheme's primary objective is to incentivize homeowners, businesses, and public institutions to replace their older, less efficient fossil fuel boilers with modern, clean, and energy-efficient biomass boilers. By doing so, the scheme contributes significantly to the global efforts of combating climate change and transitioning towards a more sustainable future.
Find out more about the financial benefits of Biomass boilers.

Biomass Boiler Efficiency 

When they are correctly installed and maintained, high-end Biomass Boilers can have an efficiency of around 80 - 90%, significantly higher than many conventional fossil fuel boilers. The main variable when looking at how efficient your boiler will be is the fuel type. To find out more about the efficiency levels of the various biomass fuel types and biomass efficiency ratings in general click Biomass boiler efficiency.

Is a Biomass Heating System Suitable for my Property? 

Whilst the beneficial impact of a biomass stove system may vary depending on its usefulness in the proposed property, a biomass boiler system is not always suitable for a property. The high space requirement compared to conventional fossil fuel boilers can mean that a biomass boiler system will not be preferable to a standard boiler system. Access issues for getting fuel to the boiler system may also rule out some rural properties.

Click Is a biomass boiler suitable for my property? to be redirected to further information on property suitability. This article also provides information on integrating biomass heating systems with existing systems and with other renewable energy solutions. planning permission issues and other legal considerations are also considered in this section.

Are they worth Installing? 

To evaluate the information contained in this section we ask the question ‘Is a biomass boiler system worth installing?' Generally, a correctly sized and installed biomass boiler system in a well-insulated property, combined with a good local and sustainable fuel source can definitely present a sound long term investment option when replacing an oil, LPG or electrical heating systems and a great method of reducing your property’s carbon footprint.  
Read our detailed evaluation on Should I install a biomass boiler?

District and Community Biomass Solutions

This article explains all about the benefits of centrally distributed, shared and large scale heat distribution systems powered by biomass. These systems can work not extremely efficiently, and can prove highly profitable in the long run.
Click district and community biomass systems for more information on this fantastic solution.

Manufacturers and Installers - Need to know Information 

This article that tells you all about what you should expect from your installer and what to ask them about your proposed system. We list all the important need-to-know items that can easily be overlooked at the point of purchase and installation.

We also provide a link to our database of renewable energy installers in the UK to help you choose the right professional for your project. Contact as many install companies as you choose, free of charge, in one simple email using our integrated correspondence service.

In our accreditation associated with biomass boilers and stoves section, you will find details of all the various accreditation boards associated with biomass manufacture and install.