Curridge Primary School Biomass Boiler
Curridge Primary School is located approximately 6km North of Newbury in a rural locality of Royal Berkshire, southern England. The School was built in 1886 and is funded and owned by the Local Authority West Berkshire Council. Following the breakdown of the schools second boiler, within the same year as the first and beyond economical repair, a full feasibility study was carried out by TV Energy. It was found that a biomass boiler would prove an excellent solution. With full support of the head teacher, school governors and West Berkshire Council the installation took place during the summer break of 2007.
The fuel storage room was sited adjacent to the boiler room in a brick-built complementary extension that is sympathetic with the schools existing buildings and surrounds. Issues with implementation included the tight deadlines for completion within the schools 6 week summer break and problems with availability and fitting of a vehicle-to-store fuel delivery system. Pro-active project management, excellent working relationships as well as enthusiasm and support of all those involved made the project a great success.
The new biomass boiler saves 14 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year, this will equal an excess of 200 tonnes over its expected 20 year lifetime. The wood fuel in form of woodchips is being sourced locally, assisting the rural economy and management of local woodland by bringing diversification to the areas, increasing biodiversity and retaining/ generating income within the local economy.
The installation at this site generated a lot of positive interest both regionally and locally and a number of other schools have made enquiries. As a direct result of the project, feasibility studies were carried out at more sites with the intention to use the concept at other schools in West Berkshire and more widely across the Thames Valley. There is good indication that other councils will be following West Berkshire Council in supporting future installations within their schools.
The project has been an excellent educational device for the children within the school, directly experiencing a sustainable heating system has actively stimulated their interest in environmental issues.
The installation will also help Curridge School achieve the Green Flag Award which they are determined to attain.
Contact Email:
Organisation:
TV Energy & TV BioEnergy
Funding Details:
Higher initial capital requirements for a biomass boiler were covered by a SEEDA grant & TV BioEnergy. West Berkshire Council covered equivalent of boiler replacement. TV BioEnergy own the boiler and are responsible for maintenance, selling an energy service to the school on a heat supply basis. Total Cost £24,000 plus £2,500 for the boiler house extension.
On average the school had been using 5,000 litres of oil per year costing around £1,500 (and rising). In addition to this the school was using four gas propane heaters costing approximately £230 per year. Using woodchip has provided significant savings of over £1,000 per year.
Status:
Complete Summer 2007
Organisation’s website:
http://www.tvbioenergy.co.uk or http://www.tvenergy.org
Keywords relating to this case study:
Waste, Renewables, Biomass, Community Engagement.
South East groups case study relates to:
Communities
