16 July 2007
  We've just completed a study into the economics and practicalities of using renewable biomass heating fuels. The study shows that despite a reduction in gas prices from last winters peak there are still opportunities for significant savings in heating costs with appropriate biomass fuel use. Our recent HDC research confirms that 85% of a greenhouse’s heating needs can be met with a boiler a third of the size of the existing gas or oil boiler.
A small boiler helps the payback equation but there are many, sometimes conflicting, factors to consider when putting a biomass heating system together: What is the best fuel? How big should the boiler be? Plus issues of fuel storage and handling. Edible crop growers also have to bear in mind that the flue gases from a biomass boiler cannot currently be for CO2 enrichment because of the potential for contaminants.
The biggest immediate savings are for growers who use gas oil – mainly ornamentals and young plant growers. Where CO2 enrichment is important biomass is less attractive but there are still opportunities where cheap local supplies are available or where reducing carbon footprint brings marketing benefits. Contact us for more details.
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