Member Article

North East biomass experts in consultancy growth

A North East biomass energy specialist has advised the UK Government on the future costs of biomass in a mass market as part of a growing demand for its expert consultancy services.

Alnwick-based re:heat was approached by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) to provide expert analysis of the likely future costs of installing and running biomass wood-burning heating in the UK.

The report ‘Potential Cost Reductions for Biomass Heating Installations’ - produced with Glasgow-based renewable energy consultant Steve Luker Associates - will help guide Government thinking on renewables sector costs at a time when energy and its affordability tops the political agenda.

re:heat provides advice about the latest heat saving biomass technologies and has seen the amount of consultancy work it undertakes treble in the last year.

With a further expected 50% increase within the next 12 months, the volume of specialist advice provided to the public sector, traditional estates and private companies is now worth six figures.

Company director Neil Harrison said the DECC report forecast a fall in the cost of wood supply and transport costs, coupled with a professionalising of biomass system installation, which could lead to a cost reduction of between 9% and 11% to install biomass heating.

“The increased professionalisation and developing skills of installers, coupled with better customer knowledge should improve the design project management of installations, and so this cost and business overheads should fall appreciably in a maturing market,” he said.

Now the firm, which employs six at its Cawledge Business Park site, is gearing up as increasing numbers of enquiries are received from customers for its consultancy services in the North and Scotland.

The firm believes there is huge potential to provide expert advice to farmers, land agents and rural businesses who are unaware of regulations which apply to biomass schemes, or have the wrong type of biomass heating system installed.

Neil says there’s been a lack of regulation in the sector with many across the north mis-sold boilers.

He said: “We are seeing strong demand for our consultancy services on the back of a growing reputation for practical and independent advice that delivers tangible benefits.”

re:heat was founded in 2011 by Neil Harrison and Ben Tansey to assist businesses of all sizes convert from fossil fuels to sustainable, low carbon wood fuel heating systems.

The firm’s team of experts can help clients with buying a boiler, designing systems, fuel supply logistics and material handling, fault-finding and problem resolution, and specialist training. More at www.reheat.uk.com

The full DECC report can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-scope-for-cost-reductions-in-a-mass-market-for-low-carbon-heating-technologies

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Round Table Solutions Ltd .