By ROSALIND SAUL

Published at 07:42, Wednesday, 06 February 2013

FARMERS are being encouraged to switch to wood boilers to save on heating multiple buildings.

Northumberland wood fuel specialists re:heat help businesses convert from fossil fuel to its more sustainable, low-carbon alternative.

Recently, the company teamed up with the Centre for Green Energy to test a boiler at a farm in Corbridge.

A 70 kw boiler, powered by wood pellets, was installed to provide heat for the farmhouse and three additional buildings used for the Airowear equestrian clothing business at South Aydon Farm.

Peter Carr-Seaman approached the centre to explore the idea of replacing his failing LPG boiler with a biomass alternative.

The farm has become more energy efficient as well as creating a new income stream by qualifying for the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).

By connecting a number of buildings to a single wood fuel boiler, they created a district heating scheme, which is eligible for RHI payments under the non-domestic scheme and will pay back the cost of the installation, leaving a healthy profit instead of an ever-rising LPG bill.

Director of the Centre for Green Energy, Allister Marsh, said: “In cases where there are several farm or estate buildings, both the landlord and tenants benefit from lower heating costs and we would encourage others to look at this alternative source of fuel.”

Among the benefits listed have been a significant reduction in fuel costs, as pellets are about two-thirds of the cost of oil and half that of LPG.

A typical 100 kw boiler, which would heat four to five farm cottages, could generate an annual return of £11,000 per year for the next 20 years.

For more information contact re:heat on (01665) 665040 or visit www.reheat.uk.com

Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk