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H&V News: Britain 'to tap into biomass potential'

08/08/2012

Britain is set to turn to biomass as the technology steps out of the shadow of solar and wind power, according to renewable energy firm Rural Energy.

It predicts biomass technology is set to grow dramatically over the next five years as large numbers of businesses and organisations see its potential to cut bills and carbon footprints.

Rural Energy is on course to hit the 600 installation mark of its carbon-reducing systems in the next 12 months, which will be generating around 125 MW of heating power throughout the UK by that time.

Rural Energy MD Paul Clark believes biomass technology – which burns wood pellets, chips or even logs in boilers to generate power – is about to come into its own.

He believes it’s not just large buildings or organisations that can benefit from the technology, which is now being supported by the government’s Renewable Heat Incentive.

He said: “The fact is biomass can be developed and installed anywhere there is an existing oil or gas heating system. Our systems are today heating and providing power for buildings ranging from National Trust estates and castles to schools and public buildings.

“The potential for the UK really is enormous. For instance we are currently in talks with one local authority about installing biomass technology to heat some 70 of its buildings.

“The reduction of the carbon footprint and the economic savings that biomass brings are tremendous.

“In the past biomass has been something of a Cinderella in the renewable sector, it has been seen as ‘old technology’ with wind and solar power making all the headlines.

“The technology has developed at such a pace, most people don’t realise the massive strides that biomass has made.”

The company recently celebrated its 10th anniversary as it nears its landmark 500th heating system in the UK.