Biomass as a residential fuel: a significant source of air pollution

In 2013, the Gas Natural Fenosa Foundation commissioned the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) with the study “Biomass as residential fuel in urban settings in Europe”. This study was the basis for the biomass chapter in the most comprehensive report, entitled “Air quality in Europe”, by the European Environment Agency.

Biomass is a renewable source of energy with climatic advantages, but not in terms of air quality. This document is a translation of Report No 28/2016 “Air quality in Europe” from the European Environment Agency, which argues that the deterioration in air quality is the result of biomass combustion in urban areas and suggests measures that may mitigate harmful emissions.