Renewable energy use grew by 20% between 2014 and 2015 and is now over six and a half times the level it was at in 2000. This is a significant growth and is a very clear indication that there is a positive move towards a cleaner, more sustainable future in terms of energy sources.
The diagram below outlines the sources of renewable energy in 2015. Bioenergy is where the vast majority of renewable energy comes from. Drilling down further into bioenergy, we can see that the burning of domestic and industrial wood accounts for 16.10% the total renewable energy sources, and together is the second most popular energy source, second to plant biomass.
What is Bioenergy?
Bioenergy is renewable energy, which is made available from materials derived from biological sources. Biomass is any form of organic material that has stored sunlight in the form of chemical energy.
The Difference Between Bioenergy and Fossil Fuels
Fossil fuels and biomass are related as they are both created from organic matter. However, fossil fuel are not renewable and are becoming rapidly depleted. Furthermore, the cost of finding and then extracting fossil fuel is labour intensive and very expensive, compared to biomass, which is very cheap in comparison. The cost of sourcing fuel is cut out totally if you are directly managing a renewable energy source, such as wood from a specially managed forrest.
Biomass takes carbon out of the atmosphere while is grows, and returns it, when it is burned. When managed correctly on a sustainable basis this maintains a closed carbon cycle, with no net increase in atmospheric CO2 levels. This is in stark contrast to fossil fuels, which do not take any carbon out of the atmosphere but adds lots to it…
Fossil Fuels – Living on Borrowed Time
Each year the world consumes around 11 billion tonnes of coal in fossil fuels. Crude oil reserves are reducing at a rate of 4 billion tonnes a year. At this rate our oil reserves could be gone by the year 2050. Before the end of the 21st century all the coal, oil and gas reserves could disappear for good. This is why renewable energy sources such as wood are so important. Not just from a cleaner environment perspective, but also because fossil fuel supplies are not infinite. They are not renewable.
How Stoves Help Get The Most From Bioenergy
We have invested a significant amount of skill and resources in making our stoves as efficient as possible. This means you need to burn less wood for the same heat, compared to a less efficient stove. Great for the environment and also for your wallet. You can learn more about the efficiency of our stoves and how to maximise efficieny here.
Learn more about our high efficiency wood burning stoves.
“As more and more people understand what’s at stake, they become a part of the solution, and share both in the challenges and opportunities presented by the climate crises.” – Al Gore
