Although a large number of households in Croatia still rely on wood biomass for heating \u2014 practically half of them, according to 2021 data \u2014 its combustion is not particularly environmentally friendly. Burning wood releases CO2, health-harmful particulate matter, and nitrogen oxides. At the same time, this heating method remains affordable, and in many homes, solid fuel stoves have been an essential addition for decades, reports Bau\u0161tela.hr.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is also a sense that this type of heating is perceived as the \u201csafest\u201d option in light of recent concerns about shortages of other energy sources in the past few years. Still, we should not overlook the fact that such heating could negatively affect air quality and the EU\u2019s sustainability goals. Bau\u0161tela.hr discussed this issue and potential solutions with researcher Marina Malinovec Pu\u010dek<\/strong> from the Energy Efficiency Department at EIHP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Today, wood biomass appears and is used energetically in four main forms: firewood\/logs, briquettes, wood chips, and pellets. Although it has certain advantages such as renewability, CO2 neutrality (at least \u201con paper\u201d), and a low primary energy factor, the fact remains that wood contains between 47 and approximately 50 per cent carbon (C) in its composition. In the case of complete combustion, it is converted into CO2 while releasing a certain amount of thermal energy, Malinovec Pu\u010dek<\/strong>notes. She adds that the CO2 generated during the combustion of wood biomass is released directly into the atmosphere at the location of the building that uses it as fuel, thus polluting the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n