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Page last updated icon Page last updated on 7th July 2025
A wood-burning stove, with a lit fire and chunks of wood sitting in front of it.

Biomass energy: definition, pros, cons and energy savings

As Great Britain works to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, biomass energy is one example of a renewable and sustainable source. It can be used to heat individual homes, or at a larger scale to produce energy for the grid. But what is the definition of biomass energy? And how does biomass energy work as a renewable energy source? 

What's on this page?

This guide will provide a biomass energy definition and explain biomass advantages and disadvantages. We’ll also explore whether biomass energy could help you save energy and protect the environment in your household.

  1. The definition of biomass energy
  2. How does biomass energy work?
  3. Biomass energy pros and cons
  4. How does biomass energy work with smart meters?

Biomass energy meaning

Biomass power’s definition refers to the use of organic materials as fuel to produce energy. This means that biomass energy be produced using materials such as:

  • Plants
  • Trees
  • Animal waste, such as manure
  • Household waste, such as food and sewage

Biomass energy can be considered a renewable source of energy, like solar or wind energy, when it is produced sustainably. This means that the organic material used (such as wood) must be replaced by new growth. When managed in this way, biomass can provide energy to heat and power homes without depleting natural resources or contributing significantly to carbon emissions. 

The definition of biomass energy includes energy production at an individual household level. For example, heating a home using a wood-burning stove is an example of biomass energy. It also includes large-scale energy production, for example, biomass farms. Biomass energy produced at this scale can be fed into the grid and used to power mains electricity.

An open book on a table, with a wood-burning stove in the background.

How does biomass energy work?

Biomass energy is generated using organic materials, such as wood, food waste or plants, to produce heat or electricity. This can be done in a few different ways, like burning wood to create heat, or using organic waste to produce gas that can be turned into energy.

While the methods of producing biomass energy vary, the key idea is that energy is released from organic materials that would otherwise go to waste. Like energy sources, such as hydropower, biomass energy has several uses including:

  • Electricity for individual homes through biomass boilers and stoves.
  • Electricity for the grid.
  • Fuel for vehicles.
  • Heating water used for bathing or cooking.

Biomass energy: pros and cons

As an energy source, biomass energy has advantages and disadvantages. We’ve compiled a list of them below:

Advantages of using biomass energy:

Renewable, when managed sustainably

When thinking about biomass energy’s pros and cons, the fact that it can be renewable is one of the pros. But biomass energy is only renewable if the source of biomass is replaced.

For example, for biomass that uses wood from trees, this is only a renewable source if the trees are replaced. This makes it different from renewable energy sources, like tidal, where the source of energy does not need to be replaced. As long as the resources are replaced, biomass energy can be thought of as a renewable source of energy.

Carbon neutral

When sourced and used responsibly, biomass energy can be a lower carbon option than some other energy sources, like fossil fuels.

For example, according to the Energy Saving Trust, who are an impartial and trusted organisation for energy efficiency, switching from a home coal fired heating system to a domestic biomass boiler could save up to 11 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.

Recycling and waste reduction

Organic materials such as food waste are often used during biomass production, meaning that waste is minimised. Instead of going to landfill, these materials are used and converted into valuable energy, that can be used to heat and power homes.

Are there any disadvantages to biomass energy?

Not completely free of emissions

While biomass energy is a lower carbon energy source, it can release some pollutants when burned. Burning biomass can affect local air quality if these pollutants are not properly captured and recycled.  

Sustainable production

Biomass fuel is only sustainable if it comes from a sustainable source. There could be negative impact on the environment if biomass energy is not produced sustainably. For example, if trees are used without replanting, or if biomass fuel is transported over long distances. Biomass must be sourced responsibly for it to be sustainable.

Energy density 

Biomass has a lower energy density compared to fossil fuels. This means that more biomass fuel is needed to produce the same amount of energy you would get from gas, oil, and coal.

Cost for individual homes

For home heating systems, such as a home biomass boiler, biomass energy is one of the more expensive options. Depending on the type of biomass, it can have significant upfront and ongoing costs. 

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a UK government initiative that provides grants for home biomass boilers in England and Wales. Biomass boilers are only eligible in properties that are based in a rural location and are not connected to the gas grid. 

Similarly, the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan also offer grants for biomass boilers. You will have to provide evidence that other zero-emission heating systems, such as heat pumps, aren’t suitable for your property. 

Please visit the websites linked above for further information about eligibility.

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How does biomass energy work with smart meters?

Smart meters measure usage of mains electricity and gas. A standard smart meter can't measure biomass energy used to power individual homes. But, if you use mains gas or electricity, smart meters can help you keep track of your energy use.

Data from smart meters can also help the energy grid to balance supply and demand. This could help Great Britain to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and make better use of renewable energy sources. This could include biomass energy produced at a large scale, for example by biomass energy farms.

Smart meters support Great Britain’s transition to a more balanced energy system. A more balanced energy system can allow for more efficient use of renewable energy sources, like biomass energy.

If you're interested in different sources of renewable energy, take a look at our guides below.

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