In the current context of energy transition and industrial sustainability, biomass is emerging as one of the most promising renewable energy sources for thermal energy generation. Its application in steam boilers not only reduces dependence on fossil fuels but also enables the efficient use of organic waste. For this process to operate correctly, it is essential to have a well-integrated system covering everything from storage to fuel feeding. In this article, we take an in-depth look at the different biomass storage, conveying and feeding systems for steam boilers, as well as the latest technologies and the benefits of their implementation.
Biomass and steam boilers: an efficient and sustainable combination
Biomass, made up of organic materials such as wood chips, pellets, agricultural or forestry residues, is an energy source with a neutral CO₂ emissions balance. Its use in steam boilers enables clean thermal energy generation and is particularly suitable for industrial sectors requiring large amounts of steam, such as agri-food, paper, chemical or ceramic industries.
According to the Bioenergy Europe report (2024), the use of biomass for heat generation accounts for 60% of renewable energy consumption in European industry, and is expected to grow by 35% by 2030. This growth requires efficient solutions for biomass handling, particularly in terms of storage, transport and automatic feeding to boilers.
1. Efficient biomass storage
Proper biomass storage is essential to ensure a continuous and safe fuel supply to the boiler. The choice of system depends on the type of biomass (particle size, moisture content, density) and daily consumption volume.
Biomass travelling floor (scraper system)
One of the most versatile solutions is the biomass travelling floor system, which fulfils a dual function. On the one hand, it acts as a temporary linear storage system, facilitating biomass unloading from trucks; on the other hand, it enables progressive feeding of the conveying system towards the boiler. Its longitudinal and transversal movement ensures a constant feed rate and prevents material compaction.
2. Internal conveying: efficiency and cleanliness in material flow
Once stored, biomass must be conveyed to the feeding point in a continuous, safe and loss-free manner.
Redler chain conveyors
Redler-type chain conveyors are particularly suitable for handling shredded, moist or difficult-to-handle biomass. They operate using scraper flights inside a closed casing, ensuring clean, dust-tight and safe conveying, even in environments with dust or sludge. Their design allows operation in horizontal layouts or with slight inclinations, making them ideal for installations with limited space.
3. Controlled feeding to the boiler
The final step, and one of the most critical, is the precise and constant feeding of biomass into the steam boiler. The stability of the thermal process depends directly on this stage.
Screw conveyors
Screw conveyors are the preferred solution for metered biomass feeding to boilers. They allow accurate control of the feed rate, improving combustion efficiency and reducing the risk of operational failures. In thermal applications, they can be equipped with cooling jackets, preventing overheating of the metal structure and extending service life.
Thanks to their construction in carbon steel or stainless steel, they offer high resistance to wear and corrosion, adapting to both dry and wet biomass.
Benefits of an integrated and automated system
Implementing automated biomass storage, conveying and feeding systems using the equipment described above offers key advantages:
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Operational continuity: ensures a constant fuel flow without interruptions.
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Safety: prevents dangerous build-ups, overloads or material leaks.
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Energy optimisation: stable feeding improves combustion efficiency and reduces fuel consumption.
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Reduced maintenance: robust designs adapted to biomass characteristics minimise downtime and operating costs.
In addition, these systems can be integrated with level, temperature and moisture sensors, as well as remote monitoring platforms, enabling intelligent management of the thermal process.
Towards a real energy transition
The installation of biomass boilers and their auxiliary systems represents a strong commitment to industrial decarbonisation. In Spain, for example, this technology has been included in funding programmes such as the PERTE for Renewable Energies and the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan.
Having a well-designed feeding system not only improves investment profitability but also directly contributes to sustainability and energy efficiency objectives required by European regulations (RED II Directive and EU Taxonomy Regulation).
The future of thermal energy lies in clean, efficient technologies adapted to each industry. Along this path, biomass and steam boilers play a key role. However, their effectiveness depends on more than just the fuel: storage, conveying and feeding systems must be perfectly designed and integrated. Investing in specialised and customised solutions is undoubtedly the first step towards a more responsible and sustainable energy model.