Wood fuel boiler targets zero carbon goal

A wood fuel boiler is firing leading green campaigners towards a zero carbon goal.

With its new biomass system, the Lake District National Park Authority is set to reach its goal of cutting CO2 emissions by 40 per cent within the next three years.

With savings on the old gas system, generous government Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) payments, £140,000 installation costs will be recouped in seven years.

Supplied by Kirkby Lonsdale-based Barden Energy, the high-capacity boiler is expected to save 34 tonnes of carbon a year and around £12,000 in fuel bills.

LDNPA chief executive Richard Leafe said biomass heating was a watershed in the authority’s aim in taking a leading role CO2 reduction.

He added: "This really is a tangible demonstration of how we are leading the way in practising what we preach.

"Not only is this boiler hugely efficient, we are expecting supplies for wood chip fuel to ultimately come from our own 600 hectares of woodland. It’s a no brainer, expensive fossil fuels verses a green, sustainable power!"

Will Barden said he is delighted the area, and the country, is waking up to the importance of renewable energy.

"We are proud to be at the forefront of some really inspirational schemes and to have helped the national park reach such a significant milestone.

"All our wood supplies are locally or UK sourced and it's an added bonus that Lake District woodlands will be providing the fuel for this boiler in the future."