Using biomas, such as waste wood, to generate electricity is seen as a renewable energy source. However not all wood burning power plants are as environmentally friendly as Twinwoods Heat and Power.  

When it comes to generating electricity and heat, the source of wood plays a crucial role in determining its environmental impact. But what are the key differences between processing waste wood, as Twinwoods does, and using wood pellets made from virgin wood?

The Source of Wood

Twinwoods Heat & Power processes waste wood obtained from various industries, such as construction and demolition. This waste wood includes post-consumer wood products, old railway sleepers, telegraph poles and other wood which has been contaminated by chemicals. By repurposing this waste wood, Twinwoods Heat and Power prevents it from ending up in landfills, effectively reducing waste and minimising environmental impact.

On the other hand, wood pellets made from virgin wood are derived from newly cut trees. This process involves harvesting and processing trees solely for the purpose of wood pellet production. Harvesting virgin wood can contribute to deforestation, habitat destruction, and the loss of biodiversity.

Carbon Footprint

Choosing waste wood as a fuel source significantly reduces carbon emissions. Discarded wood products originate from trees that have already absorbed carbon dioxide during their growth. By utilising this wood for energy production, Twinwoods Heat and Power avoids releasing additional carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, leading to a lower carbon footprint.

However harvesting, processing, and transporting virgin wood for wood pellet production consumes considerable energy and emit carbon dioxide. The production and transportation processes contribute to the overall carbon footprint, negating the potential benefits of using wood pellets as a renewable energy source.

Resource Conservation

Opting for waste wood as a fuel source promotes resource conservation. Instead of relying solely on newly harvested wood, Twinwoods Heat and Power recycles old wood that would otherwise be discarded by turning it into electricity. This reduces the demand for virgin wood and helps preserve forests, allowing them to continue functioning as vital ecosystems and carbon sinks.

The use of wood pellets made from virgin wood places greater pressure on forests and ecosystems. The increased demand for wood pellets can lead to unsustainable logging practices, including clear-cutting, which disrupts natural habitats and depletes valuable resources.

Waste Management and Pollution Prevention

By processing waste wood, including hazardous waste wood, Twinwoods Heat and Power plays a crucial role in waste management. Instead of these materials ending up in landfills, where they can release harmful chemicals and contribute to pollution, they are effectively utilized to generate clean energy. This reduces the environmental impact of waste disposal and prevents potential contamination.

The production of wood pellets from virgin wood does not directly address waste management or pollution prevention concerns. In fact, it may contribute to the accumulation of wood waste and the need for additional waste management solutions.

In the race to a sustainable future, it’s important that we make informed choices about the type of fuel we use to generate electricity.

Biomass is an important source of energy, but this shouldn’t be at the expense of the natural world. The benefits of processing waste wood, including hazardous waste wood, as opposed to using wood pellets made from virgin wood is clear. By repurposing waste wood, Twinwoods Heat and Power minimizes waste, reduces carbon emissions, conserves resources, and promotes responsible waste management.

Embracing the power of waste wood contributes to a greener, more sustainable future.