Biomass for Residential Heating: A Review of Technologies, Applications, and Sustainability Aspects

Jakub Katerla and Krzysztof Sornek ()
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Jakub Katerla: Department of Sustainable Energy Development, Faculty of Energy and Fuels, AGH University of Krakow, al. A. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
Krzysztof Sornek: Department of Sustainable Energy Development, Faculty of Energy and Fuels, AGH University of Krakow, al. A. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 22, 1-38

Abstract: Biomass has long been a major source of energy for residential heating and, in recent decades, has regained attention as a renewable alternative to fossil fuels. This review explores the current state and prospects of domestic biomass-based heating technologies, including biomass-fired boilers, local space heaters, and hybrid systems that integrate biomass with complementary renewable energy sources to deliver heat, electricity, and cooling. The review was conducted to identify key trends, performance data, and innovations in conversion technologies, fuel types, and efficiency enhancement strategies. The analysis highlights that biomass is increasingly recognized as a viable energy carrier for energy-efficient, passive, and nearly zero-energy buildings, particularly in cold climates where heating demand remains high. The analysis of the available studies shows that modern biomass-fired systems can achieve high energy performance while reducing environmental impact through advanced combustion control, optimized heat recovery, and integration with low-temperature heating networks. Overall, the findings demonstrate that biomass-based technologies, when designed and sourced efficiently and sustainably, can play a significant role in decarbonizing the residential heating sector and advancing nearly zero-energy building concepts.

Keywords: biofuels; biomass; biomass-appliances; pellet boiler; wood-fired boiler; local space heaters; micro-scale cogeneration; CHP; nearly zero energy buildings; NZEBs (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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