The Farming Express The Farming Express Feb 1 | Página 7

Biomass Are all wood fuel suppliers the same? Wood heating has taken off in a big way due to the governments Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme, but savvy customers know that not all wood fuel supply is the same in terms value and maximising RHI income. Julian Morgan-Jones, M.D. of South East Wood Fuels says “as many of our long term customers have come to realise, not all wood fuel provides the same value. They understand that to get the most out of their wood heating systems they need 3 things from their wood fuel; Savings against oil and LP gas from a lower cost fuel. More heat output and hence more value and more RHI income for each pound spent on fuel. This comes from the use of quality fuels which maximise heat output and generate more kilowatt hours to claim from the RHI. These also minimise boiler problems and down time giving lower maintenance costs and longer boiler life. Confidence from knowing that the fuel will be there when they need it, will eligible for RHI payments and will be of consistently high quality for trouble free “At South East Wood Fuels Ltd. we focus operation. on meeting these needs. Our wood chip provides great value for money and is still cheaper than oil or LP gas. To achieve better value and a consistently high RHI income for customers over the 20 years of the scheme a good supplier needs to supply woodchip which optimises boiler output and meets the criteria needed to claim the RHI. This means they need to be an approved supplier on DECC’s BSL (Biomass Suppliers List) and source wood fuel from local sources which are legal and sustainable. They also need to supply fuel listed on the boilers emissions certificate. Suppliers also need to keep up to date on changes in RHI legislation to ensure that they can always comply so that clients will remain eligible for RHI payments. To provide high output, and long term problem free operation a supplier needs produce wood chip to industry accepted standards and provide independent assurance of this via an organisation like Woodsure, which accredits the fuel through a rigorous and regular independent testing regime. Having multiple hubs means the supplier can provide back-up supplies to ensure clients always have a supply. At South East Wood fuels we are also constantly looking for new ways to improve quality and keep costs low. Many of our hubs are being upgraded with chip driers and screeners. We have many, long term, loyal customers who know that real value is so much more than price and welcome enquiries from new customers looking to get the most out of their new wood heating investments.