Sandystones venue for biomass heating open day

The information afternoon will show how a biomass district heating system and 50KW ground mounted PV array have been integrated into the mixed farm.

A spokeperson for the energy renewables open day said: “The aim is to give farmers the opportunity to discuss the introduction of renewable technologies with those who have already invested and started to realise the benefits of these systems, as well as hearing from the experts who install the solutions.”

The system, linking up several properties from one boiler site, provides hot water to the farmhouse and cottages and is used for grain drying.

The afternoon’s specialist speakers will give the latest on installation, management, performance targets, costings, the biomass supply chain and forestry management.

Host farmer and chairman of Borders Machinery Ring (BMS), Guy Lee will welcome visitors and BMR’s preferred contractor, Renew Green Energy’s technical director Brian Middleton, whose company installed both the farm’s biomass and PV systems, will talk about the process from idea to installation.

BMR manager Michael Bayne will discuss projects the cooperative is involved with and H&H Land and Property’s head of renewables Victoria Lancaster will give an update on the financial incentives, Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) and Renewables Obligation certificates (ROCS).

By autumn this year suppliers and producers of biomass (chips, logs and pellets) must register on the Biomass suppliers list.

BMR’s forestry advisor Paul Boobyer, also attending, said: “Any farmers or landowners producing their own chips made from their own woodlands, will be required to have an FCS-approved woodland management plan for their woodlands. I will discuss with them what needs to be completed to achieve this.

“As part of the BMR Farm Woodland Management Project we have overseen the production of nearly 38 woodland management plans, as well as the woodland mapping for all these properties. Once these plans have been approved by FCS, the woodland owner or their agent will then be eligible to apply for SRDP funding for woodland management operations.”

A representative from Alnwick-based re:heat, which supplied the two wood chip 90 KW ETA boilers, will also be there.

Renew Green Energy’s commercial director Alasdair Wright said: “This is one of the first dual systems we have installed, and anyone considering installing their own system will not only be able to see the working boilers, they will also be able to see the infrastructure.

“One of the key issues for many farmers when considering biomass is the credibility of the system, and will it be suitable for grain drying. So hopefully by providing them with a first hand insight they will see for themselves how effective this system is and dispel their concerns.”

To reserve a place contact BMR on 01896758091 or [email protected].