Biomass Pellets and Their Potential in Reducing Air Pollution
As climate change accelerates, the need to transition from fossil fuels to cleaner alternatives is urgent. Among various options, biomass pellets have emerged as a leading contender for replacing coal, especially in heating and power generation sectors.
While fossil fuels still dominate the global energy mix, they come with heavy environmental costs—air pollution, CO₂ emissions, and climate-related disasters. Biomass pellets, though slightly lower in energy density, offer consistent performance with significantly reduced emissions. Plus, they can be produced locally, supporting rural economies.
One notable use case is co-firing—blending biomass pellets with coal in existing power plants. This allows gradual decarbonization without major infrastructure changes. Countries like Japan, South Korea, and several in the EU have adopted this method successfully.
However, challenges remain: ensuring sustainable sourcing of biomass, reducing pellet production costs, and improving logistics. But with supportive policies, carbon pricing, and investments in pelletizing technology, biomass pellets can help industries transition away from fossil fuels.