Fossil fuels apart, biomass is the only other naturally-occurring, energy-containing carbon resource known that is large enough to be used as a substitute for fossil fuels. Biomass includes plant matter, vegetation and trees, as well as waste biomass such as municipal solid waste (MSW), municipal biosolids (sewage) and animal wastes (manures), forestry and agricultural residues, and certain types of industrial wastes. Unlike fossil fuels, biomass is renewable in the sense that only a short period of time is needed to replace what is used as an energy resource. Biomass is also held to be "carbon neutral", in that the amount of carbon it absorbs while growing is the same as the amount it produces when burned.
Scotland has a potentially huge wood fuel resource arising from its forests and associated timber resource (more information can be found at the Use Wood Fuel website). Biomass energy could be extremely valuable in Scotland, given its lack of intermittency, its ability to meet local and small-scale energy needs and its potential to provide and sustain jobs. Biomass has a big part to play in the Renewable Heat Action Plan for Scotland, published on 5 November 2009.
The Scottish Government provides some free advice and financial support for the installation of biomass heating. Householders and small businesses can get help and information about grants and loans by calling the Energy Saving Scotland Advice Network on 0800 512 012. Not-for-profit community based organisations can get help under the Community And Renewable Energy Scheme by calling 01349 860120. The Scottish Government's Community Renewable Energy Toolkit also contains details of a wide range of other grants which could possibly help. Although currently closed to any new applications, the Scottish Biomass Heat Scheme offered grants to a number of projects on 5 November 2009.