Raising awareness of renewable technologies was an integral part of our successful Powerdown project. As part of that we undertook a number of feasibility studies looking specifically at Biomass and also Community Renewable Energy options in a number of housing estates within Barrhead. During the course of the project we extended to scope of the Biomass study to look at employment and learning opportunities created as a result of increases in the renewable industries and potential links to college provision in East Renfrewshire.
Biomass
East Renfrewshire is one of the leading Renewable Energy areas in Scotland. It is the home of the Whitelee Wind Farm, Europe’s largest onshore wind farm and is currently developing projects in relation to Solar PV, Solar Thermal, Biogas and community scale wind. However, there has been little interest in biomass and the Climate Challenge Funded Powerdown project gave ERCET the chance to consider the potential for this particular renewable technology in the area.
Biomass is a term which can cover all organic matter, but is often considered to relate to using wood or wood products to generate heat and or electricity. In is most common form, wood pellets, chips, logs or waste wood arisings are burned to generate heat, but biomass can also cover using grass, weeds and other plants and organic matter to generate heat or electricity.
This was a timely study which looked at specific sites where biomass boilers could, replace high carbon emitting fossil fuel or electric systems; considered ways in which local farmers might benefit; and discussed the types of fuels, boilers and technologies that might be suitable in the area. Conclusions varied according to the size of the site and in particular the nature of the buildings to be heated.
Download the Consultants Report.
Community Renewable Energy
The aim of this study was to investigate the realistic potential and costs and benefits of developing domestic scale renewable energy schemes in Barrhead.
Three companies were appointed to look at properties owned by Barrhead Housing Association in different areas of the town. Companies were asked to advise
- Which technologies, if any, may be suitable for the properties and which not
- Likely installation costs
- Availability and impact of Feed in Tariffs or other schemes
- Estimate savings in electricity costs
- Planning permissions required
- Views on roof share or evening out
Download the consultants report.
Skills Development
The aim of this study was to consider potential linkages for the East Renfrewshire College Project and economic opportunities associated with the growing renewables markets in East Renfrewshire and in particular proposals for Biomass in Barrhead, Eastwood and Rouken Glen.
The study concluded that there is a good opportunity for the development of a high profile training capability to be developed in East Renfrewshire and recommends development of an innovative Sustainable Energy Institute which will deliver courses for the Public Sector throughout Scotland, the UK and Europe in integrated Sustainable Energy Planning.
Download the Consultants Report.
Additional information on renewable technologies, biomass and grants/incentives