Today more than ever, there is a focus on renewable fuels and what they mean in the UK context. Indeed, this year is breaking the records for renewable electricity generation. In third-quarter 2019, the UK’s windfarms, solar panels, biomass and hydro plants dominated, a Carbon Brief analysis showed. Together, they generated more electricity than the combined output from power stations fired by fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas).
Across the UK economy, there is a move towards more renewables. Currently, several parties’ general election manifestos include a focus on addressing climate change. This may well include a switch away from gas-fuelled (domestic) boilers. In this blog, we’re focusing on biomass, and looking at the specifics of how a biomass boiler might be good for your business.
Why biomass won’t cost the Earth
For the economy as a whole, biomass has some clear advantages over other fuel types. Biomass is renewable as it can be replenished after use. As wood and plant life can be regrown, it is a truly renewable source and therefore has the potential to far outlast traditional fossil fuels. Of course, it’s unlike other renewable energy sources such as solar or hydro power. There is always the need to replenish stocks by re-planting and avoiding such issues as deforestation or monoculture.
The key issue is that biomass fuel is a natural part of the carbon cycle, unlike fossil fuels. The amount of carbon released into the atmosphere is a major contributor to climate change. The only carbon that is released into the atmosphere from biomass is what was absorbed by the plants during their lifecycles. As these plants are replenished, new ones then absorb the same amount of carbon again, creating carbon neutrality.
Of course, as it’s derived from plant life, biomass fuel is abundant. As with the sun and water, plants can be found practically anywhere on the planet. This abundance means that we will not run into the issues that we currently have with fossil fuels when it comes to availability. However, it is also crucial that this abundance is maintained. While biomass fuels will always be available because they are part of the natural lifecycle of the planet, they must be used responsibly.
Why a biomass boiler might be good for your business
For individual businesses, switching to a biomass boiler can make a lot of sense. Businesses can often establish a local source of domestically produced biomass fuel. This can therefore take the control of their energy production out of the hands of larger fossil fuel companies. Currently, prices of wood chips and wood pellets per kilowatt hour are lower than natural gas or heating oil.
Furthermore, in the UK, there are incentive schemes in place which offset the capital cost of switching to biomass. It’s worth bearing in mind that biomass boilers are significantly larger than their standard counterparts. Their large size is mainly due to fuel storage needs and the necessity of a larger combustion chamber. The non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) helps businesses, public sector and non-profit organisations meet the cost of installing renewable heat technologies. By providing payments over 20 years, the RHI provides a long-term incentive for businesses and can allow them to adapt their premises to accommodate larger boilers.
Gilles biomass boilers for every situation
At Hodgkinson Bennis, we work with the best boiler designers and manufactures across the world. For most biomass deployments, we specify Gilles Biomass Heating systems. Gilles is an Austrian manufacturer, and is considered a leading innovator in the areas of commercial and industrial biomass boilers. Their systems are characterised by their robustness and fuel efficiency.
Gilles provides a range of biomass boilers suitable for every situation. Their high-performance pellet and wood-chip fuelled boilers are made to the highest industry standards. Many models within their range include fully automatic cleaning of the heat exchanger, and ash removal without interrupting the normal system operation. Working together with Gilles, we can guarantee a biomass boiler installation meets the latest technical standards and perfectly aligns with our customers' needs.
Speak to one of the Hodgkinson Bennis team today to find out more about our biomass boiler services.
Call: 0161 790 4411
About Hodgkinson Bennis biomass boiler services
Hodgkinson Bennis design, install and maintain the most fuel-efficient commercial and industrial boilers. Headquartered in Manchester, we work across the UK, particularly in the North West, North East and throughout the Midlands. Contact us today to discuss how we can deliver advanced commercial and industrial boilers.
At Hodgkinson Bennis, we have worked with commercial and industrial boilers since 1872. This history gives us an enviable amount of experience as pioneers in the industry. We place an enormous emphasis on ensuring the health and safety of all team members, suppliers, contractors, and the public. We provide the most fuel-efficient boiler solutions for industrial and commercial applications.