Bio-Bricks made of waste straw
now being made and tested on
the Isle of Wight
When I was at the Future Energy Exhibition in Newport on Friday these baskets of straw bricks on the IW Clearview Stoves stand caught my eye. They are being made on the Island and several people are testing them at the moment.
There are many advantages to this new fuel:
•Renewable – Normal crop cycle.
•Sustainable – Make hay while the sun shines!
•No mileage – Nothing to be transported to the Island.
•Disposable ash – Unlike coal, dig it in your garden.
•Competitive price – Should be on par-if not better than Coal.
•No Cutting/splitting – No need for extra processing.
• Easy delivery – Will be packed in convenient loads.
Like anything there are also a few possible disadvantages:
•Ash Amount – May create slightly more ash.
•Handling – Can cause mess.
•Storage – Must be kept dry.
•Lighting – Many people used wood also.
•Air control – We found that poor air control effects the burn temperature.
•Smoke – Some said that they produced more smoke.
One of the people testing these Bio-Bricks has written a good report of their experiences with them here.
If you want to know more about Bio-Bricks and Clearview Stoves, the Wight & Green Stable showroom will be open soon.
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You can see Bio-Bricks and Clearview Stoves as part of the ‘Woodwarming – it’s Wonderfuel’ exhibition on Friday 28th & Saturday 29th November 10am – 4pm at Newport Football Club, St George’s Way, Newport, Isle of Wight
Getting hot under the collar about energy?
Many people are now switching to an economical, climate-friendly, local fuel: wood. Wood has kept people warm throughout human history – and it is still here today. Now we can burn it efficiently, easily and cleanly using modern boilers and stoves, so you can afford to be warm and still do your bit to tackle climate change. Woodfuel heating systems can also help to meet increasingly stringent building regulations.
A biomass boiler can be the heart of your home or business
Fuel from well-managed local woods and plantations is a reliable and completely renewable resource. With soaring gas and electricity prices, wood can help control energy costs and reduce our carbon footprint too. Management of woodland for woodfuel production also directly supports woodland species.
Woodfuel isn’t just for houses – modern wood-burning boilers and stoves are being incorporated into buildings of all sizes, including pubs, hotels, schools and glasshouses. Wood can even be used to heat entire communities.
Find out more at WoodWarming – it’s Wonderfuel!
This is a free drop-in event for anybody who wants to know more about woodfuel.
• See different types and makes of boilers and stoves for burning woodchips, pellets or logs.
• Meet manufacturers, installers, and woodfuel suppliers, and get answers to practical questions.
• And on Friday 28 November at 1100 and 1400 there’ll be a presentation on:
Biomass heating – choosing the right system for your needs
by Gillian Alker from the Forestry Commission.
Find out how heating with local wood can benefit the whole Island, from our ecosystem to our economy, and about the different options you can choose.
So come to Newport Football Club and see how woodfuel can work for you.
If you want more details, call Island 2000 on 01983 298098
If you can’t make it but want to know more, visit www.biomassenergycentre.org.uk
WoodWarming – it’s Wonderfuel! organised by Island 2000 for the Isle of Wight Council
I am intested in trying some straw blocks. I am a farmer my self and have often thought it would be a great way of heating the family home.