In 2017, biomass heating prevented the pollution produced by 2.6 million vehicles over a year

The use of biomass as heating fuel, whose installations rose to almost 245,000 in 2017, prevented the emission of 3.85 million tons of carbon dioxide, the equivalent of what 2.6 million vehicles pollute during a year, according to the report prepared by the Biomass Observatory, of the Spanish Association for the Energy Valorization of Biomass (Avebiom), on the occasion of World Environment Day.

The Avebiom Biomass Observatory tracks the evolution of technologically advanced stoves and boilers installed annually in Spain. Therefore, the data it provides does not include the use of traditional wood-burning equipment, such as older stoves, barbecues, and other less efficient appliances.

Contrary to the effect of fossil fuel consumption in Spain, which in 2017 increased CO2 emissions by more than 100,000 tons, the greater contribution of biomass to the fight against climate change is a consequence of the significant increase in installations —especially stoves and boilers— that came into operation during the past year, 23% more.

Tax incentives.
Javier Díaz, president of Avebiom, points out that “in Spain we could advance much more quickly in the use of the biomass stored in our forests, an activity that would have a very direct impact on improving their conservation, generating employment and wealth.” To promote this activity, specific measures are being called for, such as a reduction in the Property Tax (IBI), a municipal tax, or the application of a reduced VAT rate to biomass, as has already been done in several countries: the United Kingdom (5%), Germany (7%), France (10%), Latvia (12%), Austria (13%), Ireland (13.5%), and the Czech Republic (15%).

Thermal energy
During 2017, the installed capacity has increased by 1,106 MW, which has made it possible to generate a considerable amount of thermal energy, estimated at 1,245 kTOE, equivalent to a lower consumption of 1,470 million liters of heating oil.

Installed capacity has increased fivefold in the last ten years, going from 1,510 MW in 2008 to 9,404 MW at the end of 2017. By autonomous communities, the ranking is led by Andalusia, Castile and León and Catalonia, which exceed one thousand megawatts installed.