Summary. Sustainability and energy independence is on the forefront of everyone’s mind these days. It’s well known that among the greatest consumers of energy are heating systems — and most heating system use non-renewable energy.
The book Wood Pellet Heating Systems by Dilwyn Jenkins explores wood pellet options. According to the Amazon book description:
Wood Pellet Heating Systems is a comprehensive handbook covering all aspects of wood pellet heating technology. The use of wood pellets as an alternative heating fuel is already well established in several countries and is becoming widespread as fossil fuel prices continue to rise and awareness of climate change grows. Wood pellets are a carbon-neutral technology, convenient to use, and can easily be integrated into existing central heating systems or used in independent space heaters. This fully-illustrated and easy-to-follow guide shows how wood-pellet heating works, the different types of systems – from small living room stove systems to larger central heating systems for institutions – how they are installed, and even how wood pellets are manufactured. Featuring examples from around the world, it has been written for heating engineers and plumbers who are interested in installing systems, home owners and building managers who are considering purchasing a system, advanced DIYers, building engineers and architects, but will be of interest to anyone who requires a clear guide to wood pellet technology.
Amazon has a variety of wood pellet heaters and other resources for wood pellet heating systems.
Biomass Boilers. On the larger scale, Biomass Boilers are gaining in popularity as a viable solution for industrial and commercial heating. This is, in part, made possible by repurposing of previously useless industrial and agricultural waste.
UK Green Deal. An article critical of the UK Green Deal initiative was recently published by The Guardian. In a previous Guardian article, the Green Deal was explained in more detail, with less criticism. Regardless of its level of success, wide-scale government initiatives and involvement will be required to see change in energy consumption. We should do our best to support programs that help consumers acquire more sustainable sources of heating such as biomass boilers, or wood pellet / wood chip and log boilers.
Enerfina. In the UK, Enerfina is a renewable energy product provider with a mission to promote more sustainable heating technologies. Of course, simply providing the technologies isn’t enough, consumers need to be informed about their benefits. Also, investors and legislators need to do all they can to help promote their use. Enerfina is educating consumers about the following energy alternatives:
- Wind Energy
- Solar PV Electric Energy
- Solar Thermal Panels
- Geothermal Energy
- Borehole ground-source heat pumps
- air-source heat pumps
- water-source heat pumps
- Biomass Energy Systems
- Heat Recovery Ventilation Systems
- and Hydro / Tidal Energy