There are several technologies for combusting solid biomass to generate power and heat. The most common fuels are woodchip and wood pellets.
About Biomass CHP
Biomass CHP can provide significant and reliable power and heat supplies. It is important that the scheme is designed on a "heat-led" basis to ensure "Good Quality Biomass CHP" and qualification for the incentive schemes. This also avoids the need to dump large amounts of heat (which causes operational issues, and compromises economic efficiency). Ensuring an appropriate local use for heat is vital for a successful Biomass CHP project; therefore opportunities to export heat to local industries and community should be considered. To find out more about Biomass please contact us.
About Trigeneration
Trigeneration (power, heat, and cooling) provides a good solution where cooling is used on site, i.e. with refrigerated or chilled chambers. Using heat driven absorption chillers a well balanced scenario can be achieved all year round; during the summer months the heat is used to drive the absorption chillers, during the winter months refrigeration loads are lower and the surplus heat can be used for space heating purposes. To find out more about trigeneration please contact us.
The main planning concerns for biomass CHP are air quality constraints and visible stacks and steam plumes from incorrect fuel/equipment specifications.
Biomass Sustainability
Another key factor in the sustainability of biomass fuelled CHP is the fuel supply. UK supplies of biomass from the forests of Scotland, North Yorkshire, etc. are suitable for small scale biomass CHP; securing long term fuel supplies from these sources is needed to ensure long term viability. The use of waste wood is also possible, and these facilities must be compliant with the Waste Incineration Directive.
About Biodiesel
In addition, Biodiesel can also be used to fuel biomass CHP, and this has been done in some recent installations. However, this competes directly with fuel for transportation and is likely to be subject to significant price pressure in the future. Furthermore, there is the question of biodiesel competing with food production where virgin bio-oil is concerned. To find out more about biodiesel please contact us.
Biomass CHP is eligible for ROC at varying levels depending on the technology. Biomass CHP is also eligible for support under the RHI scheme.
To find out more about Biomass CHP please contact us.