The Environmental Benefits of Burning Bioethanol Over Other Fuels

There are many options for fuelling a fireplace, including gas, electricity and, of course, traditional wood.  

However, as the world becomes more interested in protecting our planet, a new fuel type is increasing in popularity. Bioethanol fuel is an eco-friendly alternative to other fireplace fuel types that comes with plenty of benefits for both the planet and to your home environment, too. 

So, let’s find out more about it and how it matches up to other fuel types. 

What is bioethanol?

Bioethanol is ethanol that has been formed as a byproduct during the fermentation of sugars and starches found in biomass, making it a renewable and carbon neutral fuel source which also does not produce harmful particulates or emissions. 

To learn more detail about what bioethanol is and how it’s made, check out our previous article here. 

The benefits of bioethanol compared to other fuels

Now we know what bioethanol is, let’s take a look at the edge it has over other fuel types, and why you might want to consider it in the future. 

• Carbon neutral: Because bioethanol is created in the breakdown of plants, this makes it a carbon neutral fuel. This simply means that the carbon dioxide that it absorbs to grow balances out the carbon dioxide it produces when it’s burned. This has an eco-friendly advantage over gas, for example, which comes from a fossil fuel source, as does most of the power that feeds into our electric fires, unless you choose a renewable provider. This means that gas and electric fires will always be contributing to climate change in some way by releasing carbon dioxide and other harmful gases into the atmosphere – while bioethanol keeps its hands clean. 

• Fewer emissions: The products of burning bioethanol are heat, steam and carbon dioxide, though as highlighted in the previous point, this CO2 is negligible compared to what the biomass absorbs while growing. When we compare this to other fuel types that produce more harmful emissions, we see the release of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxides and methane, to name a few. Many of these have a greenhouse effect once they enter our atmosphere, contributing to climate change. 

• Fewer particulates: Also produced when burning traditional fireplace fuels are particulates, which go into the wider atmosphere and also your home. But as a clean fuel, bioethanol produces zero particulates, making for a clearer environment both outside and in. 

• No structural changes: Wood and gas fires will need a flue system to operate. Bioethanol, however, has the ability to be completely ventless and does not require a chimney or a flue – meaning you don’t need to make structural changes to your property to enjoy a bioethanol fireplace. 

• Real flame: An authentic, crackling flame can bring a touch of charm to any home. Bioethanol produces genuine flames to give you the ambience you seek, while electric fires produce only heat. 
• Low maintenance: It’s true that many people are drawn to the old-world feel of a traditional wood-burning stove or fireplace. And if you select this option, you have to be prepared for regular maintenance, such as cleaning away soot and ash build-up. As a clean fuel type, bioethanol does not have this issue, as it produces no particulate matter, and so it’s a very low-maintenance fuel type – leaving you more time to relax and enjoy your fireplace. 

Looking for a bioethanol fireplace for your home? Here at Enviro-Flame, we’re a leading supplier of bespoke fireplaces and stoves for homes and businesses across London. To find out more about our range of fires, along with details about our maintenance services, simply get in touch today. We’re always happy to help.