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Alternative Heat set to exhibit at upcoming Renewable Heat Incentive conference!
Alternative Heat is delighted to come on board as one of the exhibitors at the Action Renewables comprehensive conference on the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). Taking place on Thursday 20th June at the Ramada Plaza Hotel, Shaw's Bridge Belfast, this highly-anticipated event, will provide an in-depth look at the RHI and educate businesses and organisations across the public and private sector on how they can generate heat and get paid for it!
Officially launched in Northern Ireland in November 2012, the RHI is a Government scheme that provides financial support to non-domestic renewable heat generators and is already helping a number of local businesses embrace renewable technologies and save money on their energy bills. Aimed primarily at private sector businesses as well as public sector organisations including schools, churches and community groups, the Action Renewables RHI Conference 2013, will explain what the RHI is, how it works, how to apply and what renewable heat technologies are included.
Connel McMullan, Managing Director at Alternative Heat said: "We are pleased to be exhibiting at this conference, which we feel is a great opportunity for businesses to come and learn more about the benefits of renewable technologies. It is a market that is growing, but needs greater understanding. The RHI is a great financial inducement for businesses to take the leap towards greener operations – the advantages are substantial. At the event we will be showcasing our Biomass Boiler Range including our Innovative Biomass Energy Cabin."
Delegates can look forward to a comprehensive line up of speakers including; Edmund Ward, Senior Technical Advisor, OFGEM, who will explain the application process to delegates and break down the mechanics of the scheme; Gaynor Hartnell, Director of Policy at the Renewable Energy Association (REA), who will give an insight into how GB businesses/organisations have availed of the RHI and review what the outstanding issues and discuss the next steps for the scheme. Lord Brookeborough, owner of Colebrooke Estate and Spa, Co Fermanagh, will also speak about the benefits of RHI and his experience, having recently installed a wood pellet boiler and biomass expert Dr John Gilliland OBE from Original Heating, will give an insight into the benefits of biomass as a renewable fuel.
Tickets cost £75+vat each. For further information and to book your place, contact Action Renewables on 028 9072 7760 or email rhi@actionrenewables.gov.uk.
County Down Firm 'Best' in Ireland
County Down firm, Alternative Heat, has beaten hot competition to win the title 'Best Renewable Energy Product' for their unique Biomass Energy Cabin at the Energy Show in the RDS Dublin last week.
The Energy Show (run by the Sustainable Energy Association of Ireland SEAI) is an annual flagship event for professionals in the energy sector. The Awards are designed to recognise, reward and encourage the development and introduction of smart energy solutions into the Irish market. MD Connell McMullan says the company is very proud of their Energy Cabin being named 'product of the year' at the Show which attracts over 3,000 industry representatives.
"We employ 25 local people in our design and manufacturing facility and we're really proud of the fact that we are using local labour, suppliers and skills to design, build and commission these unique, bespoke energy cabins for clients across Ireland, Scotland and the UK.
"This award is a great endorsement of their efforts and it's a huge confidence boost. It also gives us a significant commercial advantage to be named the 'best product' in the renewable market by the SEAI panel so we're delighted," he added.
The Energy Cabin houses a Biomass boiler, integral fuel stores and all associated pipe work and electrical fittings, ready for connection onsite. The cabin is craned into place and connected to the existing heating system; reducing heating costs without the need to make any alterations to the building, existing heating system or plant room.
Clients include leisure centres, hotels, nursing homes, schools and manufacturing facilities and the company has recently completed a £3M export contract for the Scottish Highlands Council.
Alternative Heat wins their second prestigious Action Renewable's Award
The prestigious Action Renewables Association Awards took place at Titanic Belfast and are the largest awards event of its kind in Northern Ireland. This event celebrated the success of local companies in the renewable energy industry and Alternative Heat received "Best Renewable Export Company 2013". During the event, judges commented that the company had, "grown rapidly from 2003 to become one of the leading MCS registered suppliers and installers of renewable heating systems throughout the UK and Ireland.Alternative Heat is a great example of what can be achieved when a business takes the step to export."
Alternative Heat secures place on 200MW Biomass Energy Supply Framework
We are delighted to have been awarded a place on the Scottish Government framework to provide a share of 200MW Biomass Energy Supply over a 4 year contract period.
We were awarded on to this framework through a vigorous tender process and are delighted to be part of such a prestigious scheme.
Alternative Heat is now working in Partnership with "Investors in People"
As part of our commitment of continuous improvement we are now working collaboratively with "Investors in People" to achieve their standard.
Local Release for Award Winning firm Alternative Heat
Castlewellan firm Alternative Heat is celebrating a double achievement having won a major export contract valued at £2million with the Scottish Highlands Council as well as scooping the title of ‘Export Business of the Year’ in the Down District Beyond Business Awards earlier this month.
The MCS registered company, which employs 25 people in its design and manufacturing facility based in Burnreagh Road, Castlewellan, won the open ended contract in March 2012 and within 12 weeks designed, built and delivered the first phase of the contract for 25 unique Energy Cabins at a value of £2M. It’s anticipated that by March 2013, the total contract value will be in the region of £3M.
This latest tender win has resulted in rapid growth for the firm, leading to the direct employment of 5 new staff. “We’re really proud of the fact that we are using local labour, suppliers and skills to design, build and commission these unique, bespoke energy cabins for clients across Ireland and the UK. Supporting the local economy is very much part of what our business is about,” Connel adds.
The Energy Cabin is a unique product which houses a Biomass boiler, integral fuel stores and all associated pipe work and electrical fittings, ready for connection onsite. The cabin is craned into place and simply connected to the existing heating system; reducing heating costs without the need to make any alterations to the building, existing heating system or plant room.
Company director Connel McMullan says: “Biomass boilers and our unique energy cabins are really hitting headlines now for businesses like leisure centres, care homes, schools and hotels– not least for the significant cost savings for business, but also to reduce carbon emissions and taxes which means quick payback on the initial install cost.”
In the UK, businesses can benefit from a 20 year government backed grant scheme to encourage renewable energy use and reduce carbon emissions – the RHI (Renewable Heat Incentive). This summer, Stormont will launch a similar commercial incentive which will guarantee an annual return to the company of 12-14% payable quarterly.
Domestic home owners in NI are already benefitting from The Renewable Heat Premium Payment (announced in May 2012), enabling home owners to claim financial support toward the cost of installing a renewable energy heating system in their homes – support starts from £320 for solar, £2,500 for a biomass boiler, £2,100* for an air source heat pump & £3,500 for a ground source heat pump.
News of the tender contract and increase on local employment was hot on the heels of a Business Boost Award for ‘Best Export Company 2012, sponsored by Invest NI.
Down District Council Chairman, Cllr Dermot Curran said: “The Awards are a celebration of the very best in local business. They are a unique opportunity to recognise the hard work you all do, as entrepreneurs, small businesses or larger companies, to achieve commercial success.”
Mr Mark Bleakney, Southern Regional Manager at Invest Northern Ireland and key funder for the Beyond Business Awards, congratulated the winners for their achievements and true commitment to developing the local economy in Down district.
Mr Bleakney said: “We believe these Awards remain a core part of developing the local economy and honouring local business achievements and we are really proud to support this. Many congratulations to the winners, and to those who made the shortlist. Your inclusion in the awards reflects your achievements and commitment to the local economy.”
Safe T Cert Accreditation
Alternative Heat is delighted to have achieved Safe T Cert in recognition of the high standards of our Health & Safety management systems. Well done to all our team!
Alternative Heat wins prestigious Beyond Business Award
The prestigious Beyond Business Awards took place in the Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle, Co Down & celebrated the very best in local business.
The awards competition was run by Down District Council with the support of the European Regional Development Fund under the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland. They were a unique opportunity for the Down Council to recognise the excellence, innovation, achievement and hard work companies do, across a variety of sectors and sizes, to achieve commercial success amongst Down District business.
Alternative Heat received the “Best Export Business” Award, sponsored by Invest NI, for our design, supply, and installation and commissioning of renewable heating systems for domestic, commercial and industrial applications in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
NI Renewable Heat Premium Payment Scheme Launched!
Starting today (25th May 2012) Northern Ireland householders will be able to obtain support towards the costs of installing a renewable energy heating system in their homes.
The payments are as follows;
Air Source Heat Pump - £1700
Biomass Boiler - £2500
Ground Source Heat Pump - £3500
Solar Thermal - £320
They will also be eligible for the renewable heat incentive when it becomes available for the domestic sector next year. Please contact the office for more information or click on the link below;
Alternative Heat wins prestigious Action Renewable's Award
The Action Renewables Association Awards, which took place in the new Titanic Signature Building, recognise excellence and reward innovation by local companies who are leading the way with renewable energy technologies and sustainability and awareness raising initiatives. Alternative Heat won the "Best Community Project" for their project on the Skainos Centre. The Skainos project is a flagship redevelopment scheme situated in the Ballymacarrett area of East Belfast, which is scheduled completion in the final quarter of 2012. This project is designed to provide much needed community facilities in an historical area of the city.
The Newtownards Road frontage of the development will feature new retail and commercial office space. Inside and fronting to the square will house the work of East Belfast Mission, including youth, family services and counselling as well as a community hall and auditorium.
The East Belfast Mission and Oaklee Housing Association have also developed a replacement Hosford House with a facility to cater for 26 homeless people. Elsewhere on the site Age NI and Belfast Metropolitan College will provide new educational facilities and services for senior citizens.
In addition to the community benefits of the development there was a considerable thought given to the sustainability of the building and to it's energy consumption. Being a community project and considering the users of the building, it stands as an excellent example of incorporating energy efficiency & carbon reduction to both young & old.
Systems included:
SOLAR THERMAL The Kingspan Solar Thermal System is one of the largest solar thermal installations in Northern Ireland and consists of 160m2 of Kingspan DF100 evacuated tube panels on six blocks. The individual solar systems varied in size from 4m2 for domestic hot water systems up to 64m2 for commercial hot water and heating. The largest solar system on Block F consisted of 20no: Kingspan DF100 3m2 panels and was especially challenging. Special consideration had to be given to system efficiency and the L8 regulation on legionella. The inclusion of fresh water modules eliminated the legionella concerns whilst the solar loading modules maximised efficiency. The anticipated solar yield on this system is 84.2 MWH's with CO2 emissions reduced by 15,577 kg's.
BIOMASS COMMUNAL BOILER A 300kW biomass boiler was installed to satisfy the base load of the heating in a centralised energy plant. The package included the design and installation of a customised internal fuel store for wood pellets. The controls strategy allows the boiler to operate to its maximum output maintaining efficiencies and ensuring the client received the maximum contribution from the boiler. Given the location of the project, in the heart of a built up community, a special filtration system was installed to reduce PM2.5 & PM10 emissions ≤5mg/m3. Co2 emissions are predicted to be reduced by in excess of 70,000kg's when the building is fully operational. The communal boiler was linked via highly insulated distribution pipe network to serve individual building zones. Underfloor heating in certain areas meant that the overall operating temperature of the system could be reduced and thus enhancing efficiencies further.
Alternative Heat secure major biomass order from Highland Council
Alternative Heat are delighted to announce they have secured another major biomass order from the Highland Council. The challenging contract entails the design manufacture and supply of 20No containerised biomass boiler house units which shall be installed to a number of schools throughout the highlands over the coming months. We were delighted to be awarded this contract and look forward to working with the council on such a prestigious contract.
ISO 9001:2008 Accreditation
Alternative Heat are delighted to have achieved ISO 9001:2008 in recognition of the high standards of our Quality management systems and a furthering of the work undertaken for MSC accreditation. Well done to all our team!
Airtricity Approved Installer
Following an extensive audit of our company, Alternative Heat are pleased to have been named as an Approved Installer for Airtricity and look forward to working closely with them in the future. Our customers can now avail of a £2000 air source heat pump grant in they install before 29th February.
Western Isles
Alternative Heat has successfully completed the underfloor heating and solar panel installations within the 4 No. schools on the Western Isles Project. The solar systems were especially challenging and were completed on time and within budget – in a challenging location!
Skainos Regeneration Project
Alternative Heat has secured the supply and installation of renewable energy systems in this flagship redevelopment scheme in east Belfast. The scheme is a multi-functional building, comprising communal areas, social housing, community facilities and retail spaces. Products include underfloor heating, solar thermal 160m2 and a 300kW biomass boiler. Our works is well underway and we hope for completion October 2012.
Stonehouse Institute and Public Hall
Stonehouse Institute and Public Hall in East Kilbride has been successfully completed and handed over to the South Lanarkshire Council. Alternative Heat was pleased to have completed the installation of a Geothermal Heat Pump and Underfloor Heating to this7000m2 new build.
Renewable Heat Incentive N.ireland
DETNI have now released information on the RHI Premium Payment Scheme in Northern Ireland for residential customers. Further information on the RHI scheme for commercial installation is now due in the summer. DETNI have indicated that the scheme is still on track for introduction in 2012. For further information on these payments please contact our office.