Biomass Boilers for Agribusiness

Woodco has developed Biomass Boiler systems tailored specifically to the varying heating requirements of farms and businesses in the agricultural sector. Farm businesses producing poultry, mushrooms and pigs have very specific heating requirements and need efficient and reliable heating systems. Woodco’s sustainable and cost-effective Biomass heating solutions offer dramatic energy savings and reduction in heating costs for a competitive advantage in the agri-business sector.

Many farm businesses will be eligible for the Government Support Scheme for Renewable Heat, or SSRH.

Biomass Boilers for the Pig Sector

Pig farms with water-based heat pads or delta piping in farrowing and first-stage weaner houses will be eligible for the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat. This scheme is a lucrative opportunity for business owners and can virtually offset the cost of fuel for 15 years.

Typically on pig farms, farrowing houses require 15kWh per pig produced, and weaner houses require 8 – 15kWh per pig produced. Woodco has significant expertise in the pig sector. We have completed several successful SSRH projects, from design phase through to installation and commissioning.

Case Studies

Biomass Boilers for the Poultry Sector

Before placing day-olds in houses, and typically, most poultry farmers will pre-heat the houses for 3 days and run boilers for 14 days afterwards. Thus there is a requirement for 17 days of intensive heat per crop, 7 times per year.

There are proven advantages to using Biomass heating in the poultry sector.

  • Drier litter, improving bird feet and reducing bedding costs
  • Less CO2 compared to direct fired gas heaters
  • Density – birds spread more evenly over the floor
  • Reduced heating costs – biomass is significantly cheaper than oil or gas, and SSRH will enhance savings even further
  • Reliability – Biomass Boilers can maintain an even heat of 33°C

Potential Benefits of 10 ppm Ammonia Reduction

  • 0.045kg increase in body weight

  • 1% reduction in mortality rate

  • 6% increase in meat yield

  • 1 point increase in FCR

  • 10% drier litter

Biomass Boilers for the Mushroom Sector

Woodco has developed Biomass Boiler systems tailored specifically to the varying heating requirements of farms and businesses in the agricultural sector. Farm businesses producing poultry, mushrooms and pigs have very specific heating requirements and need efficient and reliable heating systems. Woodco’s sustainable and cost-effective Biomass heating solutions offer dramatic energy savings and reduction in heating costs for a competitive advantage in the agri-business sector.

For more information on the Government Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH) suitability and eligibility criteria, see the SEAI website.