Biomass District Heating

  Objectives

b:ssec undertook a Carbon Trust Strategic Design Advice project for the University of Cumbria,  advising on a master plan to replace many buildings and expand the campus. This covered design standards for new buildings and site-wide energy options, including biomass heating, wind generation and anaerobic digestion. Due to the University teaching courses in forestry, agriculture and sustainability, as well as growing its own short rotation coppice, a biomass system was proposed as a replacement.

Delivery

Working with University estate engineers, research staff and former students, the heating and hot water demand was calculated and a suitable system was sized. All maintenance and operation was to be managed by on-site staff to reduce associated emissions.

Results

b:ssec produced a robust business plan to satisfy the University and to help obtain a Salix Revolving Green Fund. The original 500k kWh annual consumption was reduced dramatically, along with the annual operational cost from £50k to £6.5k. This allowed the capital cost of £550k to be recouped in just an 8 year pay back period. As a result, an annual saving of 270 tonnes of CO₂ was achieved.

 

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