News: Analysis
DECC low efficiency report an opportunity for biomass
sector, says Euroheat
Responding to media reports that non-domestic biomass may underperform and
be less efficient than expected, Simon Holden, co-founder of Euroheat, puts
forward a case for the defence
on-domestic biomass technology has received criticism
of late for its’ seeming under performance and lower than
expected efficiencies. However, there is no reason why
a good quality boiler, with the right biomass installer
and top condition fuel will see this technology reach
efficiencies of more than 90 per cent. So let’s step the biomass industry
up a notch and get these three key elements right.
The non-domestic sector has seen huge support for biomass
technology since it kicked off, with figures from the Renewable Energy
Association (REA) revealing that biomass accounted for some 90 per
cent of energy generation through the scheme between 2010 and 2012.
Clearly a front-runner for the business savvy, biomass has staked its
claim as a major player in the renewables market.
Sadly, of late, biomass has come under the spotlight following a
study by the Department of Energy and Climate Change, which claims
that non-domestic installations are showing up lower than expected
efficiencies.
What is not addressed in the report are the key issues with the
UK’s biomass market at present, issues which are huge contributory
factors in why some installations are falling down on efficiency.
Many substandard boilers are being fitted (at the moment there is no
N
equivalent to the MCS quality standard for units over 45kW capacity)
by installers who do not have the appropriate product knowledge,
experience or support. In addition, many end-users are using sub-
standard fuel, which has not been properly seasoned and holds too
much moisture.
Fuel issues
This autumn will see the introduction of new ‘fuel rules’ for non-
domestic RHI installations. Under the legislation, fuels must meet
sustainability criteria in order to continue receiving RHI payments.
This will apply to all existing and new participants – even those
already receiving RHI payments. In order to prepare for the changes,
the simplest way to meet the criteria is to use sustainable fuel bought
through the biomass suppliers’ list, which lists approved suppliers of
wood fuels that meet RHI sustainability criteria.
Logs and woodchips
In general, moisture must be 20 per cent or less in the case of log and
woodchip, to ensure optimum boiler performance. Seasoned logs will
have a higher energy value, providing more heat and fewer emissions.
It is important that logs are split and left to dry in a well ventilated area
for 18 months or more for the most efficient results. Storing logs and
wood chip is ultimately the end users responsibility to make sure they
are kept accordingly, but it is vital that installers fully explain the fuel
to their customer, ensuring they have a handle on buying quality and
maintaining quality wood fuel in large quantities.
Pellet power
Wood pellets are more stable and should be delivered in the
correct state if purchased from a reliable source. With pellets, boiler
efficiency is the responsibility of the installer; if commissioned correctly,
a quality biomass boiler with the right fuel will burn at the efficiencies
of 90 per cent or more.
Selecting a trustworthy biomass installer is a vital, too. We pride
ourselves on delivering loyalty and first class support to our installer
partners, and we’re 100 per cent confident in the quality of manufacture
and efficiency of our boilers; the technology really is cutting edge. In
addition, we only allow approved installers – partners who have been
properly versed on our products – to fit each unit, with our experts
carrying out nearly all commissioning.
Fight back: This Autumn’s introduction of sustainability criteria for
biomass fuels will go a long way in combatting claims of underperforming
non-domestic systems, says Euroheat’s Simon Holden
8 | www.renewableenergyinstaller.co.uk
Best foot forward!
Far from viewing the DECC report as negative; it provides the biomass
industry with a opportunity to ensure that, moving forward, every
biomass boiler of the highest quality and working to its optimum
efficiency.