There are various forms of incentives available depending on the nature of the customer's organisation and the specific boiler. Some assistance is available to specific regions or countries while others are more generally available. Click on the list below for the most appropriate sources of assistance for your project.
The Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP) from the Department of Trade and Industry, provides grants for biomass heating systems to private businesses, community organisations, schools, the Public Sector, not-for-profit organisations and householders. Boilers and stoves registered may be found on the Clear Skies website, the predecessor to the LCBP.
Renewable Energy Systems Limited (RES) is one of the world's leading renewable energy companies, having a track-record spanning over two decades at the forefront of the wind energy industry. As a subsidiary of the Sir Robert McAlpine company, RES has the backing and expertise to deliver renewable energy solutions to meet any of our customers' requirements.
RES is one of the companies chosen to participate in the Low Carbon Buildings Programme, RES is able to offer a range of Wood Energy Ltd biomass boilers (<45kW) which qualify for grant funding for public sector and not-for-profit organisations. Details of the grant funding and an application form is available on the RES Low Carbon Heating website. Further details may also be obtained through Wood Energy Ltd.
The Carbon Trust is an independent company funded by Government. It works with UK business and the public sector to cut carbon emissions and develop commercial low carbon technologies.
The Carbon Trust is operating a scheme where small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in England, Northern Ireland and all businesses in Wales that have been trading for at least 12 months, could borrow from £5,000 to £100,000. It is unsecured, interest free and repayable over a period of up to 4 years. There are no arrangement fees and applying is straightforward. All businesses based in Northern Ireland that have been trading for at least 12 months may be eligible to apply for an unsecured interest free loan of up to £200,000.
In Ireland, a grant scheme is available through Sustainable Energy Ireland. All the details needed to qualify and apply for a stove/boiler grant are on these websites.
Loan Action Scotland (LAS) allows businesses to borrow between £5,000 and £100,000 interest-free and is repayable up to 4 years. The loan would be used to help your business to reduce its energy consumption, saving both money and CO2. LAS is supported with finance from the Scottish Executive and the East of Scotland European Partnership (ESEP), and is aimed to encourage SMEs within Scotland to replace old inefficient technology. There are many different types of energy saving equipment that can be purchased, including; lighting and controls, boiler/heating controls, new plant/machinery, as well as renewable technologies. Through installing more efficient equipment you can reduce your Climate Change Levy and the investment can be set against Capital Allowances.
If you would like anymore information about the loan scheme, then please do not hesitate to contact Aimee Weatherburn from the Business Environment Partnership either by calling 0131 561 6270 or emailing aimee@thebep.org.uk.
Scottish Community and Householder Renewables Initiative (SCHRI). SCHRI offers project support and technical and capital grants to community organisations to help with the installation of renewable technologies. Funding awards are determined on a case by case basis, with the average grant being in the region of 30 - 50 per cent.
HICEC grant fund and finance renewable energy projects developed by community groups to benefit their community. This extends to non-profit distributing organisations such as social enterprises and housing associations. The area of operation is the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.
The Wood Energy Business Scheme (WEBS) is a support programme for businesses in the Objective 1 areas of West Wales and the Valleys, and the Objective 2 area of Powys. It has been established by Forestry Commission Wales on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government, with European funding through both Objective 1 and 2 mechanisms.
WEBS provides appropriate projects with grant support to facilitate the installation and operation of woodfuel powered heating and power generation plant, and equipment for initial the processing of roundwood into chip and pellet form. By doing so it will provide the pump-priming impetus for development of a viable supply infrastructure. This in turn provides a real incentive for landowners to bring woodland back into management, with associated environmental benefits, and potential rural employment prospects.
The south-west Woodfuel Advice Service provides free advice, support and grant aid for people considering wood heating installations in the South West. The regional programme provides free phone-based advice to households, communities, schools, business and the public sector who may be considering a modern wood heating boiler system as an alternative to fossil fuels. Some larger premises may be eligible for an on-site consultation visit from an independent woodfuel expert. For more information please call 08450 74 06 74 or visit our website.
(Please note: The South West Woodfuel Advice Service will only be available until the end of March 2008).
NIE Community LCBP Phase 2 Top-up is to encourage community groups in Northern Ireland to apply for Low Carbon Buildings Programme Funding for which Wood Energy Ltd through RES Ltd is an approved supplier. LCBP grant levels vary for PV, Solar Water Heating, Wind and Biomass, so NIE will top-up the grant to an overall 65% of the installed cost. Grants PV - 50% LCBP + 15% NIE, or £900 per kWp, whichever is lower. SWH - LCBP 30% + 35% NIE Wind - LCBP 30% + NIE 35%, or £1,000 per kW, whichever is lower. Biomass - LCBP 35% + 30% NIE. Please note all NIE Top-up grants will be capped at £5,000 for each technology. Applicants receiving funding for the same renewable project from any other NIE programme will not be funded through the NIE Community LCBP Phase 2 Top-up. Ursula Toman, Northern Ireland Energy Agency, is managing the scheme on NIE's behalf. Please contact her on 028 9026 5996 for further details and an application form.
Wood Energy Ltd, Registered in England and Wales, Company No. 04269709 Registered address: Wood Energy Ltd, Pinkworthy Barn, Oakford, Tiverton, Devon EX16 9EU Tel: +44 (0) 845 070 7338, Fax: +44 (0) 845 070 7339