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What is biomass?

Biomass describes all organic materials from plants or animals, from which energy can be generated.

Why is biomass CO2 neutral?

When burning biomass, only the same amount of CO₂ is released, which was consumed during growth. This creates a closed circulation.

Is there enough wood, or is there a risk to nature?

Using wood as a fuel sustainably does not represent any threat to our forests. Firstly, it is a regrowing raw material, which the Federal Forest Inventory certifies as having good stocks and solid growth rates. Each hectare of forest produces 20 tonnes of wood a year. Secondly, there are enormous amounts of smallwood and offcuts which often rots without being used. The rotting of wood releases the same amount of CO2 as the combustion. These quantities of wood can be used sensibly. Crown wood, rootstocks, roadside vegetation and scrap wood cannot be used in fireplaces, for example, but are ideal fuel for a biomass cogeneration power plant.

Is wood competitive compared to other fuels?

As a local energy source, biomass is independent of global markets and has price stability:

 

The calorific value of wood is also good compared to other energy sources – with its combustion being CO₂ neutral:

 

 

What are the benefits of generating energy in a biomass cogeneration power plant compared to conventional power stations?

Wood energy is active climate protection because: Wood is CO₂ neutral compared to fossil fuels such as oil and coal. In addition, the power plant achieves a high level of energy efficiency through power-heat cogeneration. Sustainability results from the combustion of wood which is regionally available and regrowing in sufficient quantities. Other benefits are short transport paths when supplying the fuel, stable market and costs structures over the medium-term and support for the regional economy.

What does combined heat and power (CHP) mean?

In contrast to conventional thermal power stations, which are only designed for electricity generation, cogeneration of heat and power means electricity and heat are produced at the same time. Consequently, a very high degree of efficiency is achieved, thereby saving fuel.

Where is a good location for a biomass cogeneration power plant?

The following are particularly important for a biomass cogeneration power plant: Good transport connections, access to suitable wood fuel and proximity to the customers who require heating or cooling energy for industrial purposes. 

What kind of biomass is used in the Brunsbüttel cogeneration plant?

The Brunsbüttel plant is using scrap material from landscaping activities soleily.

How is the plant's fuel supply secured over the long-term?

In the planning phase a fuel study was prepared by a renowned institute, which has proved that the plant's supply of fuels can be secured from the region over the long-term and sustainably. 

How does BEBC make sure that only material is combusted that is approved for the plant?

The supply of the required fuel material is secured through a consistent inhouse quality management and the contractual cooperation with certified suppliers. External monitoring by independent institutions and laboratories add to these measures, thereby guaranteeing additional security.

What are the benefits for BEBC's customers from buying energy from a biomass cogeneration power plant?

The provision of heat energy from a biomass cogeneration power plant is reliable, always available, sustainable, future-proof and decoupled from the price of oil.

What are the benefits for the region from a cogeneration power plant?

Germany has decided, to change its power generation. Electricity is needed, even when the sun does not shine and the wind does not blow. With biomass power plants, this can be done environmentally friendly thanks to the latest technology and high levels of efficiency. Electricity and head are produced wherever they are needed. Of course, a biomass power plant is also a commercial company, it creates jobs and pays taxes.

How many jobs are created by the construction of a biomass cogeneration plant?

By the construction of a plant of the size of Brunsbüttel 10 to 15 jobs are created. Most of these are qualified industrial jobs, e.g. for mechatronics or electrical engineers. Experience shows that around twice as many jobs are also created in the upstream and downstream supply chain. 

Are contracts awarded to the local economy?

In many cases – especially plant construction, which make up around one third of the investment – a large proportion of the orders go to local companies, as it was in Brunsbüttel. Regional companies are also considered during the subsequent operation and for the maintenance.