Overview

Biomass in general, and wood energy in particular, enjoys mainstream acceptance in many European countries, USA and Canada. The technology is mature, proven, and very successful. In the UK the biomass market is now emerging, and work is being carried out to establish a sustainable infrastructure for biomass fuel development.

There is no doubt that biomass is gaining in popularity, and offers a genuine and practical solution to a wide range of applications. We have listed below some of the biomass projects already delivered by North Energy. If you are considering how biomass can contribute to your forthcoming project, we would be delighted to work with you.

Our Services

Woodfuel supply chains

• assessments of woodfuel from all sources
• advice on fuel delivery systems and storage
• help with arranging a reliable fuel supply

Heating systems

• advice on boilers and heat plant from the main UK and European manufacturers
• design of heating systems and district heating networks
• installation and commissioning of wood boilers

Non-technical problems

• resolving non-technical issues such as completion of fuel supply chain, training, information dispersing
• assistance with planning applications for boilerhouses, chimneys and fuel stores
• helping to put together funding packages.

Integrated renewable energy systems

• fully integrated renewable energy consultancy
• energy efficiency advice including historic buildings
• architectural advice on integrating renewables equipment with buildings

Our Team on Biomass

North Energy director Nicola Smith and her biomass team have been pioneering the use of woodfuel and biomass systems for over ten years. Nicola has delivered many biomass projects for a wide range of public and private sector clients, and has been a long term contributor to regional meetings and committees on biomass development across the UK. The team has also designed spreadsheets and on-line tools for the calculation of cost comparisons, so that wood fuel costs can be accurately measured against more traditional fuels.

Dr Nigel Mortimer led a major project in Scotland in assessing the scope and potential of biomass as a renewable energy resource for the Sustainable Development Commission, and he is actively involved in the research and development of the UK liquid biofuels industry.

We also have 'associate partnership' arrangements with some of the UK's leading biomass industry technical experts. This extends our level of expertise even further, enabling North Energy to offer a genuine one-stop biomass service.

We are members of the UK bio-energy trade organisation, Renewable Energy Association (until recently British BioGen), and are part of the energy workgroup, HeatNet.

Recent and Ongoing Work

Feasibility studies

District heating schemes at: Kielder village, Bellingham village, Middleton in Teesdale, five sites in Easington district.

Coal to wood boiler conversions for: South Yorkshire Council schools and district heating schemes; a castle used as a field study centre; 15 schools in County Durham.

Woodheating boilers for: Two Northumbrian Water Treatment Works; Stenningford Farm: Killhope Mining Centre; National Trust farm buildings; Lynemouth Resource Centre; West Fenton Farm; five youth hostels; proposed station building conversion, heritage centre and office units.

Research projects

• Biomass mapping exercise in north east England
• Opportunities for wood heating for Durham schools
• Development of conversion system for coal boilers to wood fuel heating

Fuel supply solutions

• Kielder village district heating woodfuel supply
• Durham woodfuel supply chain development
• Wood pellet development project in County Durham
• Development of wood heating ESCOs

Other work

Preparation of case study leaflets.