About Wood Heating
Wood heating, in the Rural Energy context, means efficient wood heating. Modern wood-burning technology can convert up to 90% of the energy content of the fuel to useful heat. This is a far cry from an open fire where 20% or less of the energy is utilised.
Most modern equipment is designed to use either chipped or pelleted wood-fuel. These fuels are easier to transport and handle than logs and more importantly, can be fed automatically into the boiler or stove – meaning less hassle and mess.
Burning wood and other biomass as a fuel is classed as carbon neutral: plants and trees remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere when they are growing, and release the same amount when they burn or decompose naturally on the forest floor. In contrast, fossil fuels like oil, gas and coal, release carbon dioxide which has been locked away for millions of years and increase atmospheric CO2 levels, the main cause of global warming.
The development of an efficient and reliable wood-fuel supply chain creates badly needed jobs in the countryside, strengthening rural communities and re-establishing links between urban dwellers and their surrounding landscape.
Active and careful management of woodland and forests for the production of woodfuel ensures their survival and helps to create a diversity of habitats for plants and animals. Farmland is being converted to less-intensive energy crop production, further improving the environment.