ENERGY MANAGEMENT
LESSON 3 - CHIP SYSTEMS AND LARGER PELLET SYSTEMS NEED INDEPENDENT IMPARTIAL HELP AND PROFESSIONAL ADVICE FROM THE OUTSET
A clear finding from the WEBS research was that all chip systems and many of the larger pellet systems were quite complex engineering projects which, to be successful, required specialist engineering advice and support. In the past, WEBS used to simply advise customers to get three quotes without there being a clear specification for the job. In response, different companies would specify very different solutions, depending on their own business model and technology offer. “Prices would often vary significantly, simply because different companies would be offering their products on very different terms,” Mike says. “This would leave customers confused, and they would often proceed with a supplier without fully understanding the limits to the service being delivered.”
WEBS has now committed to providing access to technical support and advice to help customers consider carefully their options at the start of the process. This means customers will benefit from better advice from the outset so that they can develop a comprehensive specification for tender and navigate their way more successfully through the procurement process.
Log system
“It can be very hard to compare proposals which are not based on a clear specification,” Mike adds. “However, customers going for the Renewable Heat Incentive in future will need to be willing to spend money upfront on good engineering advice – this will save them money and trouble in the long run.”
LESSON 4 - CONSIDER THE FUEL SPECIFICATION CAREFULLY Even though every operator of a woodfuel system knows that fuel delivery and fuel handling is critical to the success of wood heating systems, it can be surprising how often designers fail to appreciate these issues. Mike explains, “The WEBS team is still seeing poorly designed fuel stores, which make fuel delivery and storage extremely difficult and therefore costly. “We are aware of over-engineered
and under-engineered fuel delivery systems, both demonstrating that little thought had been given to the actual specification of fuel that was going to be required on site.
“It is clear that customers with difficult fuel delivery systems will have problems getting suppliers to deliver fuel and will have to pay significantly more for it. “It is essential to get this aspect of the project designed right and may well be worth paying for the services of a specialist fuel store designer with a track record of successful designs.”
LESSON 5 - PRODUCE STANDARD CONTRACTS
Most commercial scale wood energy installations are complex building projects and, as such, involve a range of professional disciplines.
A wood energy installation contract, which works with existing building contracts or as standalone contract, is therefore an essential part of a successful operation.
An installation contract is just as important for smaller wood energy schemes to ensure that all stages are managed well. “The contract should balance the interests of suppliers, installers and clients as well as creating a level playing field,” says Mike. “It should also bring control to tendering and produce cost effective results.”
As well as developing a contract for the installation, consideration should be given to a contract for the supply of wood fuel and the maintenance of boilers. This would ensure that clients and installers agree how the system will be looked after, and reduce the chances of poorly maintained systems. “Although there are some templates for contracts available, no standard fuel and maintenance contracts yet exist and the development of these is an area that WEBS is keen to work on with the Carbon Trust and others,” adds Mike.
Developing standard contracts fits with the Carbon Trust desire to share best
16| SUSTAINABLE FM | MARCH 2011
practice to boost the success of wood fuelled renewable heating. Kieran Allen from the Trust says, “We encouraged the WEBS team to publish their research as there is a need for organisations to collaborate and share best practice to move this emerging industry onto a more professional footing. “We are grateful to Forestry Commission Wales for making these findings public and their observations and recommendations support the findings of our Biomass Heat Accelerator Programme.” So, what’s next for WEBS? In 2009, the scheme received a further phase of funding worth £7.8 million from the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Assembly Government, and another twenty schemes are already under development. “WEBS is a key part of the wood energy success story here in Wales and the findings from our research will be invaluable to help us improve the support we provide to customers,” says Mike. “In particular, we intend to work with others to develop technical guidance to assist installers, users and fuel suppliers. Training is another area that we are keen to take forward to help improve the support available in the sector.” Mike is also very clear how WEBS fits into the bigger picture by enabling the wood energy market to help deliver the Welsh Assembly Government’s strategy for woodlands and trees, Woodlands for Wales.
He explains, “By helping businesses to convert the raw material found in our woods into renewable heat or power, we will take Wales to the forefront of clean energy production in the UK. “And by creating demand for wood
locally, Forestry Commission Wales can encourage more woodland owners to bring their woodlands into management, leading to associated benefits such as improving habitats for wildlife and offering opportunities for recreation.” Armed with the recommendations from the research into the first phase of installations funded by WEBS, the team is ready to respond to the increased interest in wood fuelled renewable heat when the Renewable Heat Incentive is launched later this year. For more information on the WEBS capital investment scheme, see
www.forestry.gov.uk/woodenergywales or contact Michelle Brunt on 0300 068 0088,
Email:
michelle.brunt@
wales.gsi.gov.uk
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