Southampton City Council analyzed the results of a biomass energy centre pilot project. The project is expected to repay its £400,000 capital expenditure within 10 years based on projected annual renewable heat incentive payments and fuel cost savings compared to gas. The biomass energy centre is projected to save over 40 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, equivalent to over 40 hot air balloons, through a 65% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to using gas.

1. Southampton City Council
Millbrook Biomass Energy Centre
Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Pilot
Ian Davies PFI & Renewable Energy Project Manager – People
Directorate

2. Southampton City Council
Biomass Energy Centre Pilot
Results :
• Capex repayment - £350k / £20k = 17.5 years
• Marginal repayment period (Capex £400k – Gas
£200k) = £200k / £20k = 10 years
• Projected Annual Renewable Heat Incentive
payments (depending upon heat demand) >£20k
• CO2 emission savings > 40 tonnes per annum
(65% saving compared to gas).
Hot Air Balloon is equal to one tonne of CO2

3. Southampton City Council
Biomass Energy Centre (RHI) Pilot
1st half of Energy Centre lifted off arctic

4. Southampton City Council
Biomass Energy Centre (RHI) Pilot
1st half of Energy Centre swinging into position on floating
reinforced base

5. Southampton City Council
Biomass Energy Centre (RHI) Pilot
2nd half of Energy Centre begins lift

6. Southampton City Council
Biomass Energy Centre (RHI) Pilot
2nd half of Energy Centre swinging into position

7. Southampton City Council
Biomass Energy Centre (RHI) Pilot
Energy Centre Biomass and Gas boilers

8. Southampton City Council
Biomass Energy Centre (RHI) Pilot
Energy Centre Modular Building in place

9. Southampton City Council
Biomass Energy Centre (RHI) Pilot
Energy Centre complete with wooden perimeter fence