Planning for Renewable Energy in Worcestershire Research Paper

OpportunitiesSignificant potential woodfuel resource(see Strategy, FC etc).Halcrow study suggests formula forenergy crops of 'all set-aside land + 10%of arable land'.Long-term local job creation: production,distribution, installation, maintenance,etc.Suitable for large buildings and housingdevelopmentsPower can be supplied continuously -not dependent on weather conditions,etc.Biomass systems are most efficientwhen supplying a constant load,throughout the day and night, such as ina mixed-use development.DOMESTIC-SCALE BIOMASS/CHPConstraintsDomestic-scale biomass CHP is probablyunlikely, but biomass heating isappropriate and is used successfully inEurope.End-user must be close to sourceBoiler systems physically larger andmore expensive than fossil fuelequivalentsBiomass fuel must be stored at the pointof usageDelivery must be arranged andscheduledNot generally appropriate for singledwellings (see above)Inappropriate for flats unless oncombined district heating scheme, due tospace constraints.More suited to supplying heat thanpower - electrical output can be low.APPENDIX B ● Planning for Renewable Energy in WorcestershireLikely to be reliant on road deliveries,which could be delayed or cancelled inextreme winter weather conditions,which would be when the fuel wasneeded most.Requires flue that extends above roofline.Biomass boiler requires more frequentcleaning than gas or oil boilers.More suited to supplying continuousloads (rather than, for example, theprimarily evening-only requirements ofmost housing).Technical Research Paper 47