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 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 >>