Planning for Renewable Energy in Worcestershire Research Paper

APPENDIX A ● Planning for Renewable Energy in WorcestershireBiomass is still in its infancy, but therealready exist successfully operatingexamples, including a boiler at CountyHall in Worcester that operates on woodchips. In order to be a viable technology,the biomass boiler must have access to areliable fuel supply chain. This must bebased around locally-sourced biomass inorder to remain low-carbon. Thecharacteristics of biomass fuels are suchthat relatively large quantities are requiredto match the generating capacity ofconventional fuels. Because biomass isstored on-site, there needs to beadequate storage space for the product,which could be difficult to accommodatein homes with little outside space.According to the Biomass Energy Centre,"For a primary central heating system fora domestic house a fuel store of at least5-6 m3 is recommended, preferably largerfor wood chips. This may require fillingonce or twice a year for pellets, or four tosix times for wood chips". There mustalso be convenient access for deliveriesof the fuel to the store.A functioning woodfuel supply chain iscritical to the establishment and continuedsuccess of biomass installations. Gaps inthe supply chain should be addressedand interventions made where necessary.This extends beyond issues simply ofsourcing and delivering the biomass, andincludes a lack of specialist personnel(installers/engineers, etc) and, linked tothis, a lack of training. Supply-chainissues are often funding-related, andmeans of assistance should be explored.Biomass and wood energy is beingpublicised by a variety of bodies, and isgaining recognition as a viable energytechnology. Local authorities can play akey role in ensuring full consideration isgiven to biomass as an energy source.Indeed, one of the goals of the WestMidlands Wood Energy Strategy Review2006 is to "Lobby county councils andplanning departments to obtain arequirement that all new housing andbusiness developments consider woodfuel or combined heat and power plants".Emissions from biomass-powered plantshave been demonstrated to be well withinacceptable limits (Effects of RenewableEnergy Wood Fuel for Electricity andHeat, Stack Emissions, Air Quality andHealth, DTI New & Renewable Energyprogramme). Local air quality aroundbiomass plants will be monitored by thelocal authority or the Environment Agencyto ensure that levels remain acceptable.Because biomass generation relies on theuse of a boiler to generate electricity,considerable water resources may berequired. This means that biomass plantsshould incorporate high standards ofwater conservation and water recycling,and also that sites for biomass mayideally be situated in close proximity to anavailable water resource. TheEnvironment Agency will be able toprovide guidance on acceptable waterusage, and can advise on whether anabstraction license is required.Green Infrastructure is increasingly beingrecognised in Worcestershire as a meansof ensuring multiple environmental andsocial benefits. The importance of GreenInfrastructure can also extend torenewable energy, as there is thepotential for new and existing woodland tocontribute biomass resources.36Technical Research Paper