Biomass / Estate Heating

Organic matter such as wood (in the form of logs, wood chip or pellets), miscanthus or even straw can be burned to produce heat (and electricity) for homes and businesses. We can provide a cost benefit and feasibility analysis, as well as advise on production/growing of biomass, through woodland management and the subsidies/grants available.

The production of biomass can be combined with the sustainable management of woodlands through selective felling and plantation management. Together biomass and woodland management can provide financial incentives for carrying out costly woodland operations, such as thinning.

Cost savings from burning biomass are usually linked to the high cost of oil, although this is of course subject to fluctuation. Calculating the feasibility of biomass depends on having a reliable long-term source of fuel whose price does not fluctuate according to external market influences. Usually it is advisable to install biomass if a farm or estate can supply all its fuel needs from ‘in hand’ woodland.

Income from renewable heat can also be made by qualifying for the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).

For information on how Countryside Stewardship grants may support the viability of growing biomass, and what advice and services Townsend Chartered Surveyors offer on agri-environment/stewardship schemes, click here .