Hundreds of homes heated by fuel that grows on trees

Around 380 homes are being heated by the biomass burner, which follows two other installations of biomass heating systems in Gleadless and Burngreave over the last two years.

Ted Payne from the Stovin, Uttley and Greenland Tenants’ and Residents’ Association said: “The new biomass plant has been really effective so far and it’s nice to know that this area is contributing towards the city’s ambition to improve the environment.”

Biomass involves using plant material as a fuel to generate heat. Fuel for the biomass burners can be sourced from forest thinnings and wood waste such as dead tree stumps, or else from specifically grown crops such as willow, hemp, poplar and sugarcane.

A council spokesman said that the system is “already providing extra jobs in South Yorkshire” and will add to the local economy in the future. The South Yorkshire Forest Partnership has also been working to help develop a local market for biomass fuel.

Coun Andrew Sangar, the authority’s cabinet member for climate change, said: “This is one of the largest biomass conversions in the country and shows our commitment to reducing the carbon dioxide levels in the city.

“Carbon dioxide is one of the main causes of climate change and we are determined to tackle pollution levels wherever we have any control.

“It is also beneficial to the local economy, so there are many good reasons for investing in this green energy source.”