Biomass heating technology is relatively widely deployed in some continental European countries (e.g. Finland and Austria), where it has a strong performance track record. However, installations in the UK (of which there are a few hundred examples) tend to be costly and can offer long payback periods. However, there are opportunities for this technology's costs to be minimised and for it to be a cost effective energy solution, especially where the displaced alternative fuel is expensive (e.g. heating oil).
By creating partnering projects between current installation companies and specialist consultancy expertise, the Accelerator has been able to demonstrate a lower cost of deployment and encourage best practice (such as low cost fuel storage solutions, optimal sizing and improved business processes).
Best practice installations
The Accelerator is now starting a new phase, offering targeted development support to the delivery of between 20 - 60 new ‘best practice’ installations. These installations will show that it is possible to build biomass heating installations across public and private sector applications that are:
- Cost effective
- High-performance
- Supported by robust fuel supply chains
- Replicable
At the end of this phase the methodology, technical guidance and supporting tools developed for delivering these sites will be disseminated to allow further replication across the UK. The Biomass Heat Accelerator has already prepared a range of useful information, materials and toolkits to support prospective users of the technology which will be built upon as the project progresses. These materials can be accessed here.
The Accelerator is currently looking to build up a comprehensive list of all biomass installers capable of installing accross the UK. If you are capable of installing and/or supplying biomass heating equipment and would like to feature on this list, please send an email to biomass@carbontrust.co.uk and register your interest, so that we can send you the documentation on what we require, and how the information will be used.