The European Commission are investigating and deciding whether they are going to go ahead and operate Lynemouth with just biomass. The UK are deciding on whether to support this investigation or not. The project would require approx. 1.5 million tonnes of wood pellets per year! The main source for this would come from the US and Canada. The need for such a large amount of wood pellets could also lead to a lot of competition in the biomass market. It has been said that 420 MW of the renewable energy will run just on biomass substance. 

This project is being widely discussed in the energy industry, and Britain will soon have to make the decision whether they would want to partake and support this project. The project is now going to be discussed further to see if it will be successful and if its concerns are justified, also if this will benefit the environment.

Biomass is biological material which has derived from living or recently living organisms. In the context of biomass for energy this is often plant or animal derived material. The most popular examples are wood chips and food waste.

The use of renewable energy is on the increase and there’s lots of research into increasing and finding out the causes of the changes in biomass to help the sustainably of feedstock. If we can understand these properties, then biomass may become cheaper and will help more people to use sustainable energy.

The energy technology institute has said that forest research, which is the woodlands and forestry research centre, who develop ideas every day to find the best suitable forests possible, will be with one of the world’s largest power and gas companies E.ON. They will be sent samples to analyse why there are so many changes in biomass. They will be analysing the planting of trees (testing different types of soil), growing conditions, harvesting and storage conditions. This should then help us understand more about the different impacts production has on biomass properties to get the best sustainable feedstock. 

This can help us reduce the amount of fossil fuels used as there are targets set by 2050 to be using more sustainable energy or the prices of carbon energy will plummet. 

The Scottish energy group minister Fergus Ewing has just opened a brand new biomass energy plant in the town of Fife! The plant has replaced the existing plant previously on site which was the 1950s coal and gas fired power station on the site of Tullis Russell. 

This amazing new building is already helping the environment and also the locals! It has represented a reduction in fossil fuel related carbon dioxide emissions, and has already reduced emissions by around 250,000 tonnes per annum! It’s not hard to see why this plant is already a big success with the locals, not only is it creating more energy and power for Tullis Russells but it is also creating more energy and power for the locals in Fife town. The excess electricity is then being generated into local networks!

The fun does not stop here! There are so many different ways biomass plants can be incorporated into our day to day life. This is where we also come into things, here at Lion Containers (Biomass) Ltd we can actually provide you with a fully kitted out and working biomass unit. We have a handy shopping list to help you create the biomass container of your dreams.

If you require some more information into our biomass products or you need to get a feel for the end product, then you can view a recent job we have completed >>

Did you know Nigeria produces up to about 2.5 million barrels of oil each day, and the majority of the citizens still live without electricity! Nigeria has had an ongoing energy crisis and are finding it challenging to see their way out! 

Citizens in Nigeria spend about $5 billion a year on fuel and that’s just to generate their electricity. Doing this alone keeps many people's living conditions poor, as they suffer from poverty. South Africa has a population of about 53 million and produces more than 40,000 megawatts of electricity whereas Nigeria produces about 4,000 megawatts for a population of nearly 175 million people!  
This is where Biomass containers come in. Biomass containers are very useful for producing energy. It is a cost efficient way as energy is formed by wood pellets or wood chips. This method to generating fuel is produced by renewable sources so you would not have to worry about supplies going low such as fossil fuels. These endless sources come from renewable forests. You may be using biomass in your own home without even realising it, when I say this I am talking about a wood burning fire place! Biomass is a fuel that is developed from organic materials, and no chemicals what’s so ever!  A constant supply of renewable waste materials such as left over wood from papermaking will always exist so there is stress in thinking these natural organic goods will run out. Once a Biomass container is purchased it is as simple as re-filling your unit with wood chips or wood pellets until next time. This is cheap and cost effective.

Why not check out some more interesting facts about biomass containers that Felicity has written here at Lion Containers: http://www.lion-biomass.co.uk/biomass-blog/10-reasons-why-a-shipping-container-is-perfect-for-your-biomass-store 

The upfront installation costs may seem expensive, but after a few years most people see a substantial decrease in there heating bills. Governments also offer a Renewable Heat Incentive, this is where governments will pay you every quarter for seven years towards the cost of how much energy you use. If you combine this decrease with how much money you would normally pay for your gas bill  you will not be out of pocket. This financial incentive scheme is designed to encourage and promote the uptake of renewable heating as this better for the environment and reducing CO2 emissions.  Here is who, what and where you can apply for the Government funding.

Who can apply for RHI?

• Owner-occupiers, self-builders, private landlords and registered providers of Social Housing who have installed an eligible technology since 15th July 2009 can apply for RHI support (provided they meet eligibility criteria).
  
• Single domestic dwellings are covered.
  
• RHI support is not available to new build properties (other than self-build projects).
  

What technologies can I claim RHI support for?

• Biomass (wood fuelled) boilers
  
• Biomass pellet stoves with integrated boilers providing space heating
  
• Ground to water heat pumps
  
• Air to water heat pumps
  
• Solar thermal panels (flat plate or evacuated tube only) providing hot water for your home

Where can you apply? http://www.ofgem.gov.uk 

There are also many benefits to having your fuel stores containers read my previous blog to find out why: 
http://www.lion-biomass.co.uk/biomass-blog/10-reasons-why-a-shipping-container-is-perfect-for-your-biomass-store

1. These containers are portable, they can be positioned wherever is suited for your needs. They are much more cost efficient compared to an outside building installation. 
   
2. Fuel stores are great because they can be positioned next to your installation. As some people have to build their fuel stores away from their installation and will have long runs of pipework between your boiler and installation. 
   
3. Our containerised systems will be built off site and quick to install.
   
4. All associated installation equipment and tanks can be kept together in one compact unit.
   
5. These containers are already outside so it’s more convenient for deliveries and to fill up your stores instead of having to carry the wood chips through homes. All of our containers are wind and watertight, so you can be sure that your wood chips/pellets are kept dry. 
6. Full design and build packages are given allowing you to modify your container to not look like a container you can do this by cladding, custom paintwork and installation of windows and doors.  
7. Our containers can be made in a range of different sizes from 10ft to 45ft depend depending on the size of installation needed.
8. Already very secure we also have a number of high security options that can be added such as anti-vandal windows shutters , insurance rated padlocks and high security lockboxes you can be assured that they are even more secure.
9. If your boiler does happen to need repairing or replacing then you can fit them through the 8ft wide double doors without a hitch. Which saves engineers walking through your home with boiler parts.
10. Containers are like Lego blocks, so if you need more space then you can added another container and bolt it together helping you save money as you can  buy your fuel in bulk.

So there are our top 10 reasons why you should think about a containerised biomass solution.  If you do require further information regarding our Biomass containers, then please call us on 0333 600 6260. Alternatively, if you already know what you require, please complete our handy Shopping List >>