Biomass boilers could previously only burn specific types of substance, such as wood pellets. But the new kit enables a wider variety of food firms to use their by-products as fuel to heat air as well as steam and water.
"To my knowledge, this is the first biomass firm in the world to offer this," said Ken Smithers, md of Eco Link Resources, UK distributor for the boiler, which is made by Uniconfort in Venice, Italy. "It can take clean, fresh air and heat it to 600°C." The hot air can be used for processes such as baking, pasteurisation or sterilisation. "We are looking at a project for a major blue chip client that needs lots of hot air to cook its chips," said Smithers.
Dairy processors, bakers and cereal processors were another key target group, he added: "We are working with another client that wants to use 12,000t of oak husks." Even soft drink manufacturers can benefit, as the boiler can burn fruit waste such as orange peel, pips and stones.
Firms could see payback in two to three years from the boiler and contribution to the bottom line in year one, said Smithers.
Benefits included reduction in, or elimination of, landfill tax and significant progress towards independence from fossil fuels. From June 1, firms can get cash back for generating their own heat under the UK Renewable Heat Incentive scheme.