While logs or wood pellets are a renewable and carbon neutral source of energy that must be encouraged, under poor conditions their combustion can also constitute a significant part of fine particle pollution. Thus, in 2018, domestic wood heating was responsible for 43% of national PM 2,5 emissions, as well as more than half of very fine PM 1,0 emissions. However, fine particles are responsible for 40.000 deaths per year in France according to Public Health France, of which 17.000 could be avoided by respecting the limit values recommended by the World Health Organization.
The main factors that influence the combustion quality of wood heating, and therefore the emissions of fine particles, are:
- device performance: a recent device, correctly sized and well maintained, must be used;
- the use of good quality fuel with a low humidity rate, which allows a more efficient and more economical combustion for the consumer;
- usage practices: it is preferable to use a top-firing method, to avoid a slow running rate and to ensure that there is sufficient air supply.
Thus, for the oldest and least efficient equipment, taking these three factors into account can allow the fine particle emissions to be divided by 10.
As part of the Climate and Resilience Law, the parliament voted a target of a 50% reduction in fine particle emissions between 2020 and 2030 in the most polluted territories, namely those covered by a protection plan for the environment. 'atmosphere. The “efficient domestic wood heating” action plan will make it possible to meet this objective by accelerating the renewal of old stoves and old fireplaces for the benefit of efficient equipment, by developing the use of quality fuels and by recalling the good ones. device use practices. Since wood heating is of ecological interest (it is a carbon neutral heating method), the objective of the plan presented is not to abandon this method of heating but to make it more efficient.
Thus, the action plan is broken down around the following axes:
- raise public awareness of the impact on air quality of wood heating with inefficient appliances or poor quality fuel. As such, the obsolescence of a wood-burning appliance will now be indicated in the new energy performance diagnosis. Chimney sweeping, made compulsory once a year, will be an opportunity to remind people of the subsidies available to replace a device that is inefficient and emits a lot of fine particles. Finally, an annual and national communication campaign will be carried out by the Ministry of Ecological Transition before each heating period, in October;
- strengthen and simplify support mechanisms to speed up the renewal of wood-burning appliances. 600 devices will be replaced by 000 thanks to aid for the energy renovation of housing (MaPrimeRenov) and wood air funds made available by local authorities and ADEME. These aids can reach up to 90% of the cost of new equipment for the poorest households.
- improve the performance of new wood-burning equipment by upgrading the green flame label beyond the “7 stars” threshold to define performance levels that are more protective of air quality;
- promote the use of quality fuel by developing a label to certify the quality of the fuel (low humidity) and its origin (from sustainably managed forests). In addition, the Ministry of Ecological Transition will determine a maximum humidity threshold to which the firewood offered for sale must meet in order to reduce particulate emissions during combustion;
- regulate the use of wood heating in the most polluted areas, by taking measures adapted to the territories to reduce fine particle emissions. The Climate & Resilience law now provides that the prefects take the necessary local measures before January 1, 2023 to achieve a 50% reduction in fine particle emissions from residential biomass heating between 2020 and 2030 in areas covered by a protection plan of atmosphere (PPA).
SFCB approves action plan
While the Government has launched its action plan to reduce emissions of fine particles from wood heating by 50% within 10 years, Eric Vial secretary general of the SFCB (Syndicat Français des Chaudiéristes Biomasse) shares his first reaction:
“This plan to reduce fine particle emissions, put out for consultation last spring, is an excellent step forward for the wood heating industry. It is in line with our actions and the message that we have been firmly defending for a few years now: A high-performance, modern, well-installed and well-used device emits only a very low rate of fine particles, unlike an old device. and poorly maintained. All wood heating modes are affected! Stoves, boilers or even inserts: This new government plan will accelerate the renewal of non-performing appliances. Wood is the first source of renewable energy in France, we must act to support its development and thus encourage sustainable and responsible heating. " - Eric Vial, Secretary General of the SFCB