Alternative uses for waste products from biomass burners

Abstract

Woody biomass has become an important source of renewable energy throughout the world. A major issue that has risen from the increased use of combustion technology to produce thermal energy is the large amount of waste products left over from biomass burning. Currently, the majority of waste products from biomass burning, such as ash and biochar, is landfilled. Hence, there is a need to find alternative uses for the waste products from biomass burning to promote its use and increase sustainability. There are several uses of ash inside and outside the forestry industry. Ash can be used to replace nutrients lost during harvesting and can be used to stabilize forest roads. It also serves many functions in the construction industry such as being used as an additive in industrial processes. There are also several limitations and barriers to the use of ash, such as government regulation. This article will discuss the properties, uses and barriers to the use of wood ash.