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Consulting and Advisory Services

SEWF’s team has extensive practical experience of wood fuel production and supply from managing supplies to users across the South East. We know what works and what does not in implementing a wood fuel project from the initial feasibility assessment to commissioning and routine operation of a wood heating system.

Based on this in-depth experience SEWF offer consultancy and advice services to support wood fuel projects at all scales, tailoring the services offered to the needs of each project. We are happy to discuss your project and design an appropriate support package.

Wood heating and self-supply feasibility assessments

A biomass boiler feasibility assessment is often the starting point for new projects. If you are thinking of putting in a wood fuel boiler, we can help you find out what size and type of wood fuel boiler will most effectively meet the heat demand of the property. SEWF provides a heat assessment and wood boiler feasibility service together with independent advice on the project including infrastructure design, fuel store specification and outline costings, incorporating potential grants.

Customers with thier own woodlands are often interested in the feasibility of supplying thier own chip. We can include this as part of this assessment.

Scroll down for further details of a typical boiler assessment.

Developing a wood fuel supply

South East Wood Fuels works with clients ranging from farmers and rural estates to County Councils offering a comprehensive supply chain development service for self-supply or commercial supply. Support to clients can include resource assessment, woodland management advice, and supply chain design and construction.

Scroll down for further details of how we can help you develop a wood fuel supply.

More on our wood heating feasibility assessments

SEWF offer a wood heating feasibility assessment service for those considering installing a biomass boiler. We will assess what system would be best for you and provide cost estimates as well as the benefits from money saved on fuel and reducing carbon emissions. The key elements are;

Heat Assessment

Based on historic fuel usage records, an assessment of the building infrastructure, or design calculations for new build we assess how much heat is required, the size of boiler, any associated heat store and the amount wood fuel required.

Infrastructure design options

We determine design options for boiler location and associated plant including the wood fuel store and district heating pipe work. Our specialist knowledge and experience will help avoid unforeseen problems during implementation and will allow you to have a fully informed discussion with your system designers who may not be biomass specialists.

Fuel store specification

When fuel costs represent 85% of the lifetime costs, successful design of the fuel store is critical and is also vital to the smooth operation of the boiler. SEWF’s practical experience delivering fuel to many projects across the South East makes us very aware of what makes for good and bad fuel store design.

Self-Supply Assessments

When clients have substantial woodlands of thier own, it makes sense to complete the package by looking at the feasibilty of self-supply. By assessing the potentail yeild of woodlands, the harvesting, storage and handling needs SEWF can provide a realistic view of whether self-supply is possible and the savings and / or commercail opportunities that can be achieved.

Outline costings and benefits

The above assessments together with outline quotes from boiler suppliers allow us to

• compare the operating costs against alternative fossil fuels

• calculate a simple payback time for the investment

• estimate the annual carbon savings compared to using fossil fuels

• identify grants that may be available to help pay for the project and show the effect these would have on payback times

Developing Wood Fuel Supply

An efficient, secure wood fuel supply is a prerequisite for successful use of biomass for heat. SEWF can help at all stages of the wood supply chain development to deliver a reliable, cost effective fuel supply. Even though wood fuel is available across the South East new projects may require the development of additional production capacity.

We can assist projects of all sizes from supply from the owner’s woodland to a single boiler; to developing a local supply chain for a larger boiler and developers of larger heating plants.

We also offer strategic studies for local and regional authorities. Please contact us for further details.

Resource Assessment

Whatever your potential source of woodfuel, South East Wood Fuels can help you find out how much you have, where it is, its quality, and the contribution it can make to your heating requirements. Sources may include woodland, waste wood, arboricultural arisings and short rotation coppice. We will help you identify a secure supply from a mix of sources to meet your quality and price specifications.

Woodland Management

Wood fuel is a new product for many woodland owners. Whatever size your woodland, SEWF will help you integrate wood fuel production in your management plan. We can estimate the quantity of wood fuel that will be produced, schedule felling and thinning in consultation with the owners, and calculate a budget cost for wood fuel delivered to the boiler.

Supply chain design and construction

SEWF can design supply chains for projects of all sizes using a well-developed structured approach. Based on end-user requirements we will examine the current availability of wood fuel, investigate additional sources as required, and design and cost supply chain options. The scope includes production facilities, transport, quality assurance and fuel security issues. We will work with the client to achieve a practical, robust supply chain design. SEWF will research potential grant aid to support this.

SEWF can also support establishment of a supply chain by providing training, procuring equipment, building timber and chip stocks to an agreed timetable, and putting in place the administrative requirements for supply chain management.

To see how we can help you call on us 0845 869 3775 or fill out our enquiry form.

South East Wood Fuels Ltd: tel: 0845 869 3775 fax: 0845 869 3774