Atmospheric emissions from biomass combustion

As part of its mission to implement government policy on the development of renewable energies, Ademe encourages the development of biomass as an energy source in the domestic, collective and industrial sectors, while ensuring the use of appropriate fuels and efficient techniques with high environmental performance. Ademe is well aware of the level of atmospheric emissions caused by biomass combustion, particularly in private homes, and supports a progressive approach aimed at bringing increasingly efficient equipment and installations onto the market, in order to gradually correct negative impacts and consolidate the benefits of biomass in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and the use of renewable fuels. The domestic sector (single-family homes) is the one that should be given priority. Renewing the fleet will significantly reduce pollutant emissions. Ademe also recommends that private individuals always use quality firewood (clean and dry), choose appliances with the 'Green Flame' label, maintain their equipment and sweep their flues regularly. This article presents benchmark data on current and prospective emissions (2010, 2020) from biomass combustion, comparisons with emissions from non-renewable energies, and a summary of the main findings