Project Scope: Guidance for consenting of biomass boiler systems using different solid biofuels for heat production

Background

Currently Regional Air Plan Rules generally permit only the combustion of raw biomass fuel for heat production. These Rules result in potential fuel that has minor "contaminants" such as paint so that painted wood is not able to be legally combusted, and thus is unnecessarily disposed of to landfill. Yet, modern heating systems are designed for a wide range of solid biofuels, and thus some are suitable for combusting these prohibited fuels, with the resulting emissions to air being within the National Air Quality Standards.

Objective

This project is to encourage the beneficial use of recycled waste timber, herbaceous crop waste, and other biomass such as chicken litter, to be used as a fuel for producing heat. The project will produce a best practice Technical Guide for consenting officers and applicants as to the equipment design and monitoring options for boiler systems so that any solid biofuel can be used and meet the national emission to air standards. Use of recycled timber waste as fuel will avoid it being disposed of to landfill.

Technical Guide 9: Consenting of biomass boiler systems using different solid biofuels