Biomass Energy Yield Calculator

Work out biomass energy yield instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Biomass Energy Yield Calculator

Moisture destroys biomass fuel value twice: it dilutes the dry matter and it consumes 2.443 MJ per kilogram of water evaporated. As-received calorific value is dry value x (1 - moisture) - 2.443 x moisture, so wood at 50% moisture has less than half the usable energy of the same weight at 10%.

Formulas

As-received calorific value

CV_wet = CV_dry x (1 - moisture) - 2.443 x moisture

Electrical output

MWh = energy (GJ) x conversion efficiency / 3.6

Worked example

With the default values below, Biomass Energy Yield Calculator returns Electrical Energy Produced of 51,583.2. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Biomass Quantityminimum 0 t/year: 50,000 t/year
Moisture Contentaccepts 0–70 %: 25 %
Dry Calorific Valueminimum 0.01 MJ/kg: 18.5 MJ/kg
Conversion Efficiencyaccepts 1–100 %: 28 %

Results

Electrical Energy Produced: 51,583.2
As-Received Calorific Value: 13.2643
Total Energy Content: 663,213
Dry Solids: 37,500.0

Step by step

1Values used
2As-received calorific value
3Electrical output
4Electrical Energy Produced= 51,583.2
5As-Received Calorific Value= 13.2643
6Total Energy Content= 663,213
7Dry Solids= 37,500.0

Assumptions and limits

The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
Figures are rounded for display to 4 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
Biomass combustion emits particulates and nitrogen oxides and is subject to air quality permits. Sustainability and carbon accounting rules also apply to fuel sourcing.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Biomass combustion emits particulates and nitrogen oxides and is subject to air quality permits. Sustainability and carbon accounting rules also apply to fuel sourcing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is drying biomass worthwhile?

Reducing moisture from 50% to 30% raises as-received calorific value by around 55% and improves boiler efficiency and combustion stability. Natural air drying is often nearly free.

What efficiency do biomass plants achieve?

25-32% electrical for a dedicated steam plant, which is low because of steam parameter limits from ash and chlorine. Combined heat and power raises total utilisation to 75-85%.