BIOMASS FUEL MARKET

The biomass fuel market is divided into three main segments:
- Power generation utilities
- Steam creation for industrial applications and district heating (CHP)
- Domestic heating stoves

The Power Generation Utility segment is still at the embryonic stage where the biomass is co-fired with a fossil fuel and then combusted in the boiler to provide heat in the fire-box that will heat pure water to create steam. This part substitution of biomass fuel for fossil fuel will result in a reduction of emissions. There are also power utilities and industries that use only biomass pellets. These processes are generally known as "fuel switching".

Steam creation is an integral function in almost every manufacturing business. The combustion of biomass is practiced where the source of biomass is in close proximity to the industrial plant.

Biomass pellet burning stoves are a new and very popular way as a means of providing heat in the home. Pellet Stoves use wood pellets as their primary heat source. The prices of stoves burning fuel such as fossil fuels, chopped wood, natural gas and electricity are gradually increasing. Wood pellets are a cheap and easy resource that can simultaneously emit low pollution and provide excellent heat. The low ash content enables the homeowner to clear the minute quantity of ash weekly only instead of the daily cleanout required with other solid fuels.