Battlesteads Country Inn and Restaurant in Northumberland, has installed a state-of-the-art wood chip boiler to ensure better value for money and reduce carbon emissions, thanks to a feasibility study undertaken by NEWHeat – a One NorthEast funded initiative designed to encourage businesses to switch their heat energy supply to wood heat.

The hotel, which is based in Wark on Tyne, near Hexham, identified the need for an increased power supply in order to effectively run its guest facilities. Hotel Owner, Richard Slade, explains: “We bought the hotel in 2005 in a fairly dilapidated state. Once we had the place up and running, we found that, should all the guests require a shower at the same time, the mains electrics blew! The obvious option was to apply for more electricity, but this was not possible as the village was already operating on the maximum allocation.”

With the need to source alternative power and heat supplies, Richard commissioned a full environmental survey on the building and took advantage of the free NEWHeat service to determine if wood heat could be the answer to the hotel’s problems. The study confirmed that wood heat would be the only viable option to increase the building’s heat supply, whilst earning greater value for money and significantly reducing carbon emissions.

Richard continued: “The installation of the wood chip boiler has meant that we get much more heat for our money. Not only do we have fully functioning showers in every room, but we are now able to install baths as well – which is perfect for a rural hotel as many walkers like to end their day of hiking with a relaxing soak! The boiler has also been able to effectively heat our sophisticated under floor heating system. In addition we are currently building a poly tunnel on the grounds to grow vegetables and salads, and we are able to maintain the temperature within the tunnel by using waste heat. We have also been able to use the dead roof space in the boiler house as a new observatory – something else for our guests to enjoy whilst they stay with us at Battlesteads.

“Our initial investigations were sparked purely because of the need for increased power, however, the studies have made us really environmentally conscious and, since using these green technologies, we are very proud to have been awarded the Gold Award from Green Tourism for in recognition of our efforts.”

As a rural business, Battlesteads is perfectly placed to source wood chips locally – with its supply being delivered regularly by tractor from Park End Estate just a mile away. Being situated on the edge of Kielder Forest means the potential supply is vast, with over 260 acres of managed woodland on offer at Park End Estate alone – ensuring a consistent and sustainable supply of wood chips.

David Clubb, Project Director of NEWHeat, explains: “Biomass heating takes low-value forestry products, such as forestry thinnings, from the region’s sustainably managed forests, and turns them into wood chip – a high-value product which can then be used as a clean and efficient fuel for modern heating systems, whether a direct replacement for an existing system or as part of plans for a low-carbon new building.”

Since its launch, NEWHeat - which guides organisations through the process of adopting wood heat as a renewable energy source - has seen a significant uptake in the service from a diverse range of businesses. So far the service has provided more than 100 businesses and social enterprises across the North East with free, impartial and detailed advice on a potential installation, with 14 of those progressing to the second ‘tendering’ stage of the NEWHeat support service, and the first boiler installations having just taken place.

Organisations with the potential to accommodate a wood chip boiler include SME’s such as hotels, schools, manufacturers, food services and factories, as well as large commercial and residential developments, all of which can also benefit from funding supplied by One NorthEast through the NEWHeat service to carry out a feasibility study.

David Clubb continued: “It’s important for businesses not to feel like they are being forced into a corner on the issue of renewable energy and more that we’re here to offer free impartial advice about whether wood heat is an option for their company – we can take the time to sit down and discuss the savings which can be made in an impartial and professional manner”.

“NEWHeat is a unique opportunity for businesses in the North East to make a difference to both the environment and their bottom line, and we’re delighted with the response so far. However, we need more businesses to realise the impact switching to wood heat could make and to be aware that there is still time to make use of the initiative.”

Ian Williams, One NorthEast’s Director for Business and Industry, said: “North East England has a growing reputation as a centre of excellence for innovation in renewable energy, and NEWHeat is a fantastic example of how this translates to businesses on the ground. I’m delighted that the project has made this strong start in supporting businesses to adopt wood fuel systems and look forward to seeing more firms get involved.”

Liz Smith, Assistant Regional Director CBI North East adds: “Innovations in new and renewable energy- including projects like this- are vital in tackling climate change. The North East has expertise in energy and environmental sectors and the challenges of climate change bring with them new opportunities. The wood heat project offers new opportunities for businesses in the North East to cut their energy costs, along with their carbon emissions."