Under the DECC’s recent proposal for renewable heat incentive (RHI) reforms, biomass users could see a reduction of up to 61 per cent in RHI tariffs by 2017, meaning that farmers considering investing in the technology may want to explore alternative fuel options.

These unprecedented tariff degressions would reduce annual installations of biomass boilers from 3,023 in 2015 to just 65 installations by 2021, meaning the future for biomass now looks very uncertain.

Says Ken Davies, National Agriculture Manager at Calor; “Over the last few years, a number of farmers have opted for biomass heating systems because the RHI payments appear to offer a good return on capital over a typical 20-year timeframe.

“This is especially the case for poultry farmers, with an all-year requirement for heat, which represents a significant proportion of their operating costs.

“As a result of these latest tariff degressions, owners considering a new off-grid heating system will want to consider alternatives and may find that upgrading to a maintenance-free, gas-fired heating system is a safer option.”

The latest indirect gas-fired heaters use a flue to remove the products of combustion, carbon dioxide and water vapour, while a second intake pipe brings in fresh air from outside to fuel combustion. The consequence of this design is that the poultry shed needs less ventilation and therefore reduced energy consumption is required to keep the sheds warm. Put simply there is more oxygen available, less carbon dioxide and a drier atmosphere, which in turn keeps the litter dry and helps to limit humidity-related diseases.

Through its partnership with Winterwarm, Calor has also launched a new, externally-mounted, indirect heater called the DXE. As it is installed on the outside of the house, it helps to save valuable space in the poultry shed, making it quicker and easier for the farmer to clean the floor space ready for the next batch of broilers.

Ken Davies continues, “There are also concerns about the performance of biomass systems, particularly around the correct sizing of the system, which requires careful consideration during the specification process. If incorrectly or under specified, it could leave a farmer with high maintenance and service costs in the future, not to mention an unachievable return on investment.

“While the theory behind biomass as a renewable technology is laudable, retaining or investing in a gas-fired heating system remains a safe, proven option

“Even without the current uncertainty surrounding RHI payments, or the concerns expressed around the correct specification of the technology, a biomass system is typically three times more expensive than an equivalent gas-fired heating system, making the latest LPG-fuelled heating systems an attractive proposition.”