RJ Mitchell School, Havering

CEN supported the installation of a new biomass heating system at RJ Mitchell Primary School in Hornchurch, Havering. The new system, running on wood pellets, replaces an old and expensive oil powered boiler system – and is an excellent example of how going green and saving money can go hand in hand.

The new system combines a 95kW wood pellet boiler with a small backup gas boiler to meet peak loads. By eliminating the use of 20,000 litres of oil, the system is preventing the emission of approximately 45 tonnes of CO2 per year. Financially, the school anticipate savings of over £1,000 annually.

CEN provided feasibility studies for the school, secured funding, and supported the project throughout the installation process.

RJ Mitchell is very happy with the installation, which, in addition to reducing their carbon footprint and saving them money, is a valuable education tool for the children. Havering Council are considering other sites in the borough for the installation of biomass, and this will secure further carbon savings, and support the growth of wood fuel industry within London.

95kW Pellet Boiler

Wood pellet store

Boiler in operation

Please click here for a video explaining the biomass system at RJ Mitchell in more detail.

St Peter’s Church, Brockley

One of London’s first biomass boilers has been installed at St Peter’s Church in Brockley, Lewisham. The new system is powered by wood pellets, a renewable fuel, and replaces old electric heaters. The previous heating system was so expensive and ineffective that the very old and very young often had to stay away from Church in the middle of winter.

It is estimated that the new biomass heating system will prevent the emission of nearly 90 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. Rev Corinne Tournay is delighted with the project which has formed part of a larger refurbishment, including the installation of under floor heating. The installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on the church roof will follow shortly.

The new system is expected to consume around 48 tonnes of wood pellets, so while tackling climate change is seen as the major driver, the church’s heating bill should also be cut in half.

St Peter's Church

80kW Herz pellet boiler

Under floor heating manifold

For more information on this project, please click here.

St Nicholas Church, Rochester

This Medeval church building in the lea of Rochester Cathedral has recently been refurbished and converted into offices for use by the Diocese of Rochester. As part of the project, the Diocese decided to pursue and environmental solution for both their heat and electricity demands.

Heat is generated through a small 50kW pellet boiler that they were able to fit into the existing plant room. Pellets are stored in an adjacent room and delivered automatically to the boiler.

Electricity is produced by a 4.9kWp array of solar photovoltaic panels sensitively sites behind the parapet roof line. The panels are not visible from ground level and do not affect the appearance of this Grade I listed building at all. Interested viewers will just be able to see the panels from the top of adjacent Rochester Cathedral or from the top of nearby Rochester Castle.

St Nicholas Church

Photovoltaic array

Biomass boiler

For more information on this project, please click here.

If you are interested in investigating a biomass project of your own and would like to know how CEN can help, please contact biomass@cen.org.uk or phone 020 8683 6600.

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