Biomass for architects, contractors and sepcifiers

Treco celebrates 20 years of delivering biomass and low carbon heating systems across the UK, from individual installations to large-scale district heating projects.…

A practical guide to HLA, HLC and IRMA under the RHI, explaining when each applies and how they impact heat metering, compliance and system performance.…

Commissioning is the final stage that brings a biomass boiler system into service. It involves detailed checks of the installation, testing of mechanical and electrical components, controlled fuel firing, and verification that the system meets its performance and safety requirements.…

Biomass heating is becoming an increasingly practical choice for UK farms, offering a reliable alternative to oil or LPG for everything from poultry sheds and glasshouses to grain drying and holiday lets. With supermarket buyers pushing for lower carbon footprints,…

Highland Heritage Woodworks have upgraded their sawmill and drying kiln with a woodchip biomass boiler, supplied and installed by Treco. The project strengthens their commitment to sustainable timber production, with video footage offering a look from the customer’s perspective.…

The total plantroom installed cost for a biomass heating system in the UK in 2025 varies significantly based on size, fuel type, and complexity, but generally ranges from £45,000 for a small commercial 50kW system up to over £300,000 for…

See how a Treco industrial biomass boiler installation is fuelled using a walking floor system. This short clip shows the process of loading woodchip onto a walking floor.…

Accurate, in-date heat metering is vital for RHI-accredited biomass systems. After around 10 years, meters must be recalibrated or replaced; if not, Ofgem can pause payments and apply a 10% penalty. This guide explains when to act, the role of…

We are pleased to report that our Alcumus SafeContractor accreditation has just been renewed for the next 12months. This is a Safety Schemes in Procurement accreditation that assesses and verifies information across our various practices in health, safety, financial and…

At Treco, our commitment to the efficiency and longevity of biomass heating systems and their components is unwavering. We know that behind every reliable, sustainable heat supply is meticulous maintenance of all the components. That's why we recently completed another…

Many businesses are faced with the challenge of managing the waste wood they inevitably generate. While recycling may seem like the right option, it still involves transportation emissions, possible sorting errors, and rising costs. Shredding your waste wood onsite for…

Historically the main grant available in the UK for people who have a biomass boiler installed is called the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). This was setup by the UK government as a way to encourage the uptake of renewable…

Walking Floors for Biomass Boilers Biomass boilers are a fantastic choice for sustainable and efficient heating in the UK. Choosing the right fuel delivery system is crucial for smooth operation and the choices here are fundamental to a projects success.…

Turning Waste to Energy: How Wood Waste Heating Benefits Furniture Manufacturers The UK furniture industry, renowned for its quality craftsmanship and distinctive designs, is a sector in high demand. Many of our waste wood clients come to us within significant…

Treco Now Installing Solar PV Treco, a leader in commercial biomass heating solutions, is pleased to announce an expansion into commercial solar photovoltaic (PV) energy, complementing its existing biomass boiler services. As a company, Treco has long supported solar as…

As spring unfolds and summer approaches, many homeowners are likely focusing on sunshine and barbecues, not their biomass boilers. However, at Treco, we urge you to consider a crucial step towards a warm and worry-free winter: biomass boiler servicing.…

Have you ever thought about ways to heat your home more efficiently while minimising your carbon footprint? If so, delve into the world of district heating—a revolutionary system delivering heat and hot water to multiple buildings from a single, centralised…

In the quest for sustainable and eco-friendly heating solutions, wood pellet boilers have emerged as a compelling choice, offering a renewable and low-carbon alternative to conventional fossil fuel systems. These innovative boilers not only contribute to a greener environment, but…

In a world where the environmental impact of our energy choices is becoming increasingly apparent, it's essential to explore and adopt cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. Biomass heating systems are one such option, as they can provide warmth, power, central…

When it comes to heating your home with biomass fuel, wood pellets have emerged as a popular and eco-friendly choice. Made from compressed sawdust, typically a by-product of sawmills, wood pellets offer a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. …

As the world continues to seek sustainable and renewable energy sources, biomass boilers have emerged as an exciting alternative for heating homes and businesses. Harnessing the power of organic materials such as wood chips, pellets, or logs, a biomass boiler…

We are pleased to report that Treco have now gained Achilles Building Confidence accreditation. This is a Safety Schemes in Procurement accreditation that assesses and verifies information across our various practices in health, safety, financial and ethics. The assessments…

Biomass boilers are becoming an increasingly popular option for homeowners and businesses looking for a sustainable and cost-effective way of producing heat and hot water. Like any heating system, biomass boilers have their advantages and disadvantages, and it's important to…

If you are considering installing a biomass boiler in the UK, you may be wondering whether you need planning permission. The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including the size and location of the boiler, as…

Biomass boilers are an environmentally-friendly and cost-effective way of producing heat and hot water for homes and businesses. But what exactly do they burn?  Biomass boilers burn organic materials such as wood chips, sawdust, straw, and other plant matter. These…

Treco are please to see that in Keir Starmer's New Years speech today that he considers investment in clean and renewable technology as a priority, with Labour's plans for there to be 100% clean power generation by 2023. Read the full speech…

We are pleased to report that our Alcumus SafeContractor accreditation has just been renewed for the next 12months. This is a Safety Schemes in Procurement accreditation that assesses and verifies information across our various practices in health, safety, financial and…

You may or may not be aware that the government has recently introduced a requirement for the owners of biomass boilers in receipt of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), to carry out annual servicing / preventative maintenance checks. Whilst…

Another local repair and service done all the way up in the Shetlands. Who knew Lerwick was old Norse for Muddy Bay!  …

It has just been revealed that over 30 years ago a coalition of the largest industrial players in America employed a PR genius to run a campaign to spread doubt over climate change. Sadly this campaign has been devastatingly…

The UK is at the start of a heatwave with temperatures supposedly higher than in Hawaii. During these times when temperatures are high having your biomass boiler serviced is no doubt the last thing on your mind. However, now…

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have recently released their 2022 report on the mitigation of climate change. The report concludes that bioenergy offers an important way of mitigating climate change. One of the co-authors states “The fact that the…

Good news comes with the release of the Spring 2022 budget. Today the Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled the contents of his Spring Statement, part of which included reducing the VAT on energy saving materials (ESM) for homeowners from 5% to…

As Treco were very well behaved this year we were treated to a Tesla as a Christmas present. Along with our building which is heated by a biomass boiler, this is another small step in us as a company becoming…

The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy recently released its Biomass Policy Statement. This sets out its strategic aims for the role of biomass across the country in the medium and long term to help achieve net zero. The…

A recent report by the Renewable Energy Association concludes that the UK is in danger of missing targets for decarbonisation without immediately increasing the flexibility of the grid. An assessment of the UK's energy market readiness to transition to net…

The government recently released an update to the Smart Energy System and Flexibility Plan. This is being developed along with Ofgem in coordination with the energy sector. It sets out the vision and policies to move towards a net zero…

An independent report from the Imperial College London that was commissioned by Drax demonstrates that the UK’s ‘global leadership’ in bioenergy is setting an example to the rest of the world in transitioning from coal to net zero.…

The International Energy Association (IEA) has produced one of the world’s first compresence study of how to transition to net zero energy by 2050 while ensuring the energy supplies are stable  and affordable. The report states that whilst there is…

The UK government recently set new climate change commitments that will put the UK on course to cut carbon emissions by 78% by 2035. These targets were based on recommendations from the Climate Change Committee. These commitments  are to become…

The government has recently published a call for evidence document that will help develop an up-to-date biomass strategy that will be crucial in realising the energy transition away from fossil fuel. Bioenergy is already the largest contributor of renewable energy…

The Government will include biomass in the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme’s second phase. There were also concerns that Phase 1 was not sufficiently focused on heat decarbonisation. The second phase – which will have £75 million of grant funding –…

Update to RHI regulations ensure mandatory annual biomass boiler service…

Did you know that everyone in England lives within 30 minutes of a public access woodland? This Christmas, why not go and enjoy the woodlands – they’re more than just a walk, or a source of wood fuel for your…

We are pleased to announce that as it stands today, Treco are open and continue to service and maintain our customers boilers. This is something we will continue to undertake, unless instructed not to do so by the Government or…

A recent article on the BBC website says a paper is soon to published in the Environmental Research Letters, that puts switching to renewable based heating in the top 10 list of things we can do to reduce our carbon…

The simple and straightforward answer, is that Treco can. Along with servicing and maintaining systems that we installed, we are having an ever increasing number of people come to us that had installations done by others but want us to…

If you own a biomass boiler, then it is important to have it serviced regularly for a number of reasons. First and foremost it help maintains the boilers performance, reliability and longevity. This ultimately translates to reduced running costs for…

Fuel considerations for biomass boilers are paramount and require careful consideration before a particular type of boiler is selected. Today we will look at some of the most important considerations. The fuel type, and delivery, storage and handling arrangements can…

Typically planning permission is not needed when installing a biomass boiler in a domestic property as long as all the works are internal. A flue will always be required, but as long as it is on the rear or side…

Like any bit of machinery a biomass boiler can have issues, not operate correctly and even breakdown. Over the past 15 years and 800 installs, we have come across a number of issues and have learnt many valuable lessons along…

How does a biomass boiler work? Well, this blog will hopefully answer any initial questions you may have. We have a lot of additional information throughout our website, but the most useful page will will no doubt be the…

According to the Department for Business, Energy & industrial Strategy (BEIS), the total forecast expenditure as of April 30, 2019 was £907 million. This represents the amount of tariff payments the BEIS anticipate it is committed to, based on application data.…

As part of the RHI rules, a provision was made for boilers to be relocated to different sites as well as changing ownership whilst retaining the original RHI tariff. Historically the RHI tariff was at higher levels in comparison to…

There are a number of reasons why you would or should consider a containerised solution when considering a biomass installation. Biomass boilers can occupy more space than the equivalent fossil fuel boiler and the addition of a fuel store can…

Today we will explore the large costs and CO₂ savings biomass delivers when compared to fossil fuels as well as the opportunity for installations heating more than a single building with one biomass boiler in a district heating scheme. Social housing…

Have you wondered just what district heating can mean to you? Treco has installed a number of projects using this technology and some of our successful projects include a luxury complex, a country estate, a wedding venue and a private estate as can be viewed on…

Wood is one of the oldest fuel sources known to man. Its use is undergoing something of a renaissance, with ever greater awareness of the need to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels in favour of renewable alternatives, as an important element of…

Since we first discussed the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS), a lot has changed in the political climate that may or may not have fundamentally changed the impact and implications of energy-related targets set by the EU. As ESOS stems from…

Cofton Holidays, the multi award-winning holiday park near Dawlish, South Devon, has taken its green credentials to new heights with the launch of a state-of-the-art biomass hub that will provide heat and hot water to Cofton’s 4,800 sq ft leisure…

It's really encouraging to receive ongoing queries from clients who have been considering moving to a medium-large scale biomass which will help in the UK's course to achieve our 2020 renewable heating targets. However, there are some key considerations to…

We’re really pleased to see that calls to the Ofgem RHI helpline are up by around 90% and RHI applications have increased from January to March, in comparison to October to December. The quantity of accreditations is up by 38%.…

The Guntamatic PRO range of biomass boilers from Treco have been featured on Specification Online. The article reads: British businesses looking for medium to large scale biomass heat up one megawatt can now buy Guntamatic systems of this size.…

It's exactly a month today before you will have to comply by the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) that has been established by the UK government as a response to Article 8 (4-6) of the European Union's Energy Efficiency Directive (2012/27/EU).…

In order to implement Article 8 (4-6) of the European Union's Energy Efficiency Directive (2012/27/EU), the UK government established ESOS (Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme) with the aim to cut carbon emissions by requiring large businesses to identify energy reduction measures…

A rural landowner’s estate or farm can yield a surprisingly large amount of wood fuel. In many cases this can be in sufficient quantities to more than sustain the heating demands of the buildings on the estate.…

If you're considering a biomass system as a feasible option for your project, then there are some aspects of choosing the right system for you that you must consider. This is where we come in. We try and understand you…

If you have your own woodland, or source of wood fuel, hiring a contract chipper to chip fuel straight into a fuel store can represent fuel cost savings of up to 80%, compared to heating oil, LPG or electricity. If…

Here at Treco, we have over 50 members of staff dedicated to providing industry-leading customer service. This enables our projects to run smoothly and our customers receive a professional, personal level of service from the initial sales call to the…

At Treco, we pride ourselves at our helpful, supportive and transparent service. From speaking to clients from in excess of 700 installations, we realise that’s not the experience everyone has with their biomass boiler installer. We have complied a list…

In this article we'll try to answer the most frequently asked questions regarding biomass and how it works with your project. For even more information on the advantages and different types of biomass boiler then head over to our main…

Treco supplies the Guntamatic range of biomass boiler systems, with heat output ranges from 12 to 100kW in single unit. These systems will burn a range of fuels, from logs to wood pellets, to wood chips as well as grain and…

We would like to introduce Wye Valley Energy, a new Treco partner based on the Welsh borders. Wye Valley Energy supplies and install biomass heating systems in the Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, North Gloucestershire, Powys and Monmouth area.…

NFU Farm Energy Service is an approved list of renewable energy providers. NFU members can contact the service, gain a list of appropriate suppliers for their farm energy project, with a special 5% discount on the cost of a biomass…

Recent announcements by government has placed significant emphasis on community renewable energy schemes, and the opportunities for local groups, both to drive the uptake of biomass boiler heating systems and obtain a stake in schemes in their location.…

The replacement of the degrading boiler system at the Welsh Wildlife Centre with a new biomass boiler has finally been completed. The Austrian Guntamatic Powerchip 50kW biomass boiler was installed by Treco and was commissioned in the middle of October. This boiler…

Earsham Hall in Norfolk has taken delivery of a containerised 198kW Guntamatic Biocom biomass boiler heating system which runs on ENPlus A1 or A2 wood pellets. This is the second biomass boiler project that Treco has installed at this site.…

Biomass heating is not a new phenomenon. All heating was ‘biomass’ before the industrial revolution, and with concerns over climate change coinciding with a new generation of highly efficient equipment, biomass heating is making a comeback! To compare costs of biomass…

Great to see a nice tidy biomass boiler installation from our partners Duncan Renewables! South House Farm is at Boggle Hole, near to Robin Hood’s Bay and has the most amazing outlook. South House started life as a working dairy…

Treco has been featured in HVP Magazine and the article focuses on important questions that an installer should ask a prospective biomass boiler client, in order to gain some of the most important information. The text in full is as…

The government seem increasingly interested in community energy schemes, and the Renewable Energy Association (REA) seem to clearly sense that too. Check out Gaynor Hartnoll’s excellent recent blog on the subject here. The commercial RHI, which launched in 2011,…

We were pleased to see a video of the Treco biomass boiler installation at St Paul's Church in Gulworthy Cross, Devon appear on YouTube. The 50kW Guntamatic Biocom can burn wood pellets and was installed at St Paul's Church, Devon in 2010…

A Treco installation at the Welsh Wildlife Centre in Pembrokeshire has been featured in the news. The Cardigan-based Tivyside Advertiser has run a piece about a Treco installed 50kW Guntamatic Powerchip, replacing two 27kW LPG boilers, which were becoming expensive to maintain. The…

Treco is keen to promote locally sourced wood fuel and we have written a few articles on the subject! We also support the most efficient use of our woodland resource and bringing both small and large woodlands back into active…

This has got to be one of the most frequently asked questions we tend to receive. A quick note to explain and clarify any confusion on the matter: For smaller scale installations, installation and commissioning may happen on the same…

These financial benefits include Corporation Tax relief via the increased Annual Investment Allowance (AIA). In addition, a predictable 15% to 25% return on investment is available from Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) payments and biomass fuel cost savings combined, versus oil…

We have just launched the all-new Guntamatic PRO range of biomass boiler heating systems onto the UK renewable heating marketplace! The Guntamatic PRO  is a range of versatile, high efficiency biomass boilers which run on ENPlus 1 or 2 wood pellets  or G30 and 50 wood chips.…

Well done to Team Treco for raising thousands of pounds for the Stroke Association at the Great West Run in Exeter yesterday! There are some sore feet, aching limbs and big smiles in the office today! See video footage of…

We have posted a few articles recently regarding the fact that 53% of our woodlands need to be managed. This needs to happen in order to encourage their development, to generate a greater amount of timber, a greater amount of wood fuel and…

We are getting a lot of enquiries about biomass boilers that can burn miscanthus, so we thought that some information about its benefits may be useful. Miscanthus is growing in popularity as a biomass fuel for use in some wood…

We’ve seen a rise in problems related to the use of poor quality wood chip and wood pellet fuel in our biomass boilers. Although Treco does not supply wood fuel, we know lots of people that do and thought that…

The right type and quality of wood fuel is fundamental to the successful, consistent and long term functioning of your biomass boiler. Fuel quality is the biggest cause of the issues our biomass customer support team are called out to…

Really? If we install too many biomass boilers, won’t we hit 'peak wood'? The answer is no, but this is an often raised question and one which needs looking into in more detail. The responsible use of our wood…

So wood fuel is dirty? The recent debate re-opened and ‘fuelled’ no doubt by the announcement that the Drax power station will convert three of its boilers to run on wood fuel, somewhat clouds the debate in a fog (or…

There are a number of considerations for designing the flue system for a biomass boiler installation. Our project management team will manage this for Treco customers, but some important considerations are listed below. We fit Twin Wall, Insulated stainless steel…

Asking the right questions will give some confidence that a provider is able to deliver a quality installation and in most cases it will be appropriate to get independent advice. Questions will vary from technology to technology but those outlined…

Biomass boiler district heating applications are where several buildings or zones are heated by a single biomass boiler (or wood burning boiler, log boiler, wood chip boiler or wood pellet boiler) via a heat 'network'. This involves circulating hot water…

The Renewable Energy Strategy (RES) sets a target for 15% renewable enery in the UK by 2020 across heat, power and transport fuel sectors. Miscanthus has been grown in the UK for a number of years as an energy crop.…

This article is written by Les Heywood, the owner of Hollyfield Poultry Farm. Do read up on this project and find out how a 300kW biomass boiler solution at Hollyfield farm heats five poultry houses and farmhouse, improves bird welfare and saves…

Thermal stores (also known as accumulator or buffer tanks) are sealed cylinders used for storing large quantities of hot water at a constant and pre-defined temperature. A biomass boiler heating system incorporating a correctly sized thermal store will deliver improved…

The Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) is the national standard for the sustainable design and construction of new homes. The Code aims to reduce our carbon emissions and create homes that are more sustainable in the long term.…

Often customers and installers concentrate on the installation of the boiler, and the storage of the pellets is given little attention. However this is utterly crucial for an effective system – and in the worst case can prevent a system…

First of all what is a thermal store and what does it do? Essentially it’s a large water tank which is well insulated with a series of flow and return pipe connections. It should not be confused with a domestic…

We found this great guide from the Forestry Commission to grants related to wood fuel and thought we would share with you. This note is aimed at forest managers, agents and woodland owners, but is not designed to replace the…