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KEEP SAFE WITH THE SFA - November 2011A new publication, “Safety Guide for Solid Fuel Users” is now available for download from this site. The guide clearly highlights the three golden rules of safety for solid fuel - proper ventilation, regular sweeping and the correct fuel. This guide is also available as an A4 double sided leaflet from the SFA and can be ordered on our literature page. As well as the private solid fuel user, the guide may be of particular interest to local authority housing departments for distribution to their tenants. download here |
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DASH FOR GAS COULD SPELL DISASTER FOR BRITAIN'S ENERGY FUTURE - November
2011 Coal fired power stations are the backbone of the UK’s power supply. During periods of peak demand, coal stations are able to ramp up their output and last winter were providing almost 50% of Britain’s electricity. Only coal fired stations have the flexibility to respond to sudden increases in demand. Renewables in particular have failed to deliver just when the need has been greatest. The Government had previously acknowledged that indigenous coal has a key role to play in any future secure energy mix. Carbon capture and storage technology was intended to be the cornerstone of a low carbon energy future. However, funding for the pioneering CCS project at Longannet in Fife has been withdrawn by the government despite a projection by Scottish Enterprise that 1,546 jobs would have been created. It has been estimated that Longannet would have contributed £890m to the Scottish economy during construction and £272m a year once up and running. One explanation for this apparent U turn is that over the last couple of years, the argument for action on climate change has been progressively weakening – many of the IPCC claims about climate impacts have been proved to be false or exaggerated and this combined with the depth of the recession has turned public opinion firmly against the funding of expensive low carbon solutions. A recent populus poll carried out for the BBC suggested that only a quarter of the public now accept that climate change is driven by the activities of man and the level of support being given to renewables is already being widely questioned. Unfortunately for Britain, militant activists and lobbyists, wealthy political organisations such as WWF and Greenpeace and much of the mainstream media are still waving a big anti-capitalist stick at a coalition government which at the moment seems caught in the headlights and incapable of decisive action on energy. The coalition appears to be attempting to back away from extravagant low-carbon commitments but obviously fears facing the “green brigade” head on. Unabated gas offers an expedient way out. However, this timid approach is the one most likely to end in catastrophe for Britain. Money earmarked for the development of coal carbon capture and storage schemes could end up being redirected into subsidies for the building of unabated gas fired stations or even nuclear. Dithering on CCS will create an energy policy which fails in each and every essential respect; Affordability - consumers will have to fund windfall gains for gas generators in the form of carbon taxes and will face sky-high prices for electricity generated by imported gas rather than by economical indigenous coal. An already fragile economy could eventually go into meltdown as Britain struggles to compete with lower-cost economies who have not adopted the UK’s unilateral “hair shirt” approach. Security – The UK’s increasing reliance on imported gas from unstable areas of the world rather than a secure mix of energy sources including renewables and indigenous abated coal will increase our vulnerability both to price fluctuations and to political or terrorist attack on energy supplies. Moreover, without decisive action, we are already heading for a serious energy shortfall during the 2020s. Carbon emissions – The UK will be irreversibly locked into a high carbon future once a new generation of unabated gas stations are commissioned. In a nutshell, Britain’s energy will have become high cost, high risk and high carbon. The SFA believe that the coalition needs to reaffirm its commitment to CCS with prompt action to get pilot coal CCS projects off the ground or accept that there has been a change in emphasis and in the interests of fuel security and affordability, allow the building of unabated coal stations alongside unabated gas. In short, we would like to put the coal back into the coalition. |
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AN HOUR IN THE WOOD YARD- November 2011 Certainly Wood is the largest specialist firewood producer in the UK having pioneered the kiln drying process for firewood ten years ago. They were also the first company to be approved by HETAS under their new Solid Biomass Assurance Scheme. The link below is to a time lapse video which condenses an hour’s worth of frantic activity at Certainly Wood’s yard in rural Herefordshire down to just 60 seconds. “Where’s Wally?” Just for fun, see if you can spot him (Wally makes four appearances). http://www.certainlywood.co.uk/certainly-wood-videos |
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WHAT HAVE DOGS, CATS AND MICE GOT TO DO WITH SOLID FUEL? - August
2011 It’s a question that people sometimes ask about our distinctive SFA logo. Well, to get the answer you need to go back to 1988 and our iconic “Real Fire” adverts. Click on the “Real Fire” link at TVARK and enjoy one of the most memorable adverts ever made! See our Iconic advert at TVARK http://www2.tv-ark.org.uk/adverts/r.html |
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LEARN MORE ABOUT COAL - August 2011
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HETAS RECEIVES EUROPEAN CERTIFICATION - August 2011
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ENERGY NEWS - Carbon Commitments Could Leave Britons in the Dark
Political activists appear to be dictating Government policy as Energy Secretary Chris Huhne commits Britain to an 80% cut in carbon emissions by 2050. The indication is that British industry and commerce is going to be hampered by ever harsher “green” stealth taxes as the coalition Government abandons the carrot in favour of bigger and bigger green sticks. An overly complex and increasingly punitive array of inflationary carbon taxes may derail the economic recovery and could well leave Britain with a dangerous energy shortfall by 2020 as ageing coal fired power stations, currently the mainstay of Britain’s electricity supply are decommissioned without new ones being built and without any viable and secure alternative being available. The Coalition remains determined that Britain stays at the cutting edge of carbon reduction commitments by introducing potentially crippling carbon pricing measures whilst other European countries are content to sit on their hands and do the minimum required by EU agreements. Indeed, it is even possible that in the medium term, conditions in Britain could become so hostile to coal fired generation that our valuable indigenous natural reserves could be exported to Germany or Poland whilst British people pay through the nose for electricity generated using imported gas. Many vulnerable gas and electricity consumers could be put at risk if keeping warm becomes a luxury. A recent ONS survey suggesting that the number of Britons sceptical of man-made climate change has doubled since 2006 indicates that the Government’s approach could well be out of step with the public opinion. Significantly, only one quarter of those asked in a recent “Populus” poll carried out for the BBC believed climate change was happening and "now established as largely man-made". At the SFA, we believe that the priority for most
British people is secure and affordable energy supplies to keep the
lights on during severe British winters. |
PRODUCT FEATURE – Trianco’s Newton stove
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BIOMASS NEWS - Solid Assurance from HETAS
Moisture content has the biggest effect on heat output from wood. Any water in the fuel has to evaporate away before the wood or biomass will burn, using up energy and reducing the amount of useful heat as opposed to steam up the chimney. Wood and biomass with a high moisture content can be exceptionally difficult to light, and will produce lots of smoke and tars. These tars can be corrosive, potentially damaging the lining of the flue and increasing the danger of a chimney fire. The maximum moisture content allowed for SBAS is different depending on the fuel category. Although the woodland area in Britain is limited, there is sufficient timber to meet foreseeable future demand. Managing woodland improves biodiversity and increasing the proportion of managed woodland supports jobs in the forestry industry. Replacing imported fuels such as gas and oil with locally produced wood fuel improves fuel security and encourages local community. A full list of SBAS approved fuel suppliers will be available on the HETAS website at www.hetas.co.uk. |
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ATTENTION RETAILERS – Could you be a member of the SFA? For the first time ever, the SFA is widening the scope of its membership to include retailers. We recognise the importance of the retailer as the front line of our industry so for a relatively modest contribution, your business can become part of the SFA. How would associate membership of the SFA benefit your business directly? We sincerely believe that our activities indirectly benefit everyone within the industry. However, there are also direct benefits of SFA membership so we are inviting selected retailers to join the association.
We look forward to hearing from you! |
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WOOD SMOKE & HOT AIR Alarmist articles in two of the national newspapers earlier this year exaggerating the dangers from wood smoke inhalation were based on research carried out by the University of Copenhagen’s Professor Steffen Loft. It is beyond doubt that sustained inhalation of fine particulate matter from any source can be harmful to health. However, to put this research into its proper perspective, cellular research on animals has actually shown that, gram for gram, wood smoke particles have less harmful effects than particulates from traffic. Moreover, in the UK, there are many times more diesel engines and oil boilers than woodburning stoves. Thanks to clean air legislation, wood burning is not concentrated in urban areas, many of which are designated smoke control areas. This means that the smoke emitted is usually very well dispersed which mitigates any harmful effects. Any wood burning stoves that can be used in smoke control areas have been designated as being particularly clean burning and have been exempted by DEFRA. Moreover harmful emissions are minimised when burning good quality, well-seasoned wood and when the air supply to the stove is correctly controlled. We would suggest that education promoting good practice in the use of stoves is the key to clean air and this is one area in which the SFA and other allied organisations are already active. In conclusion, we would suggest that the potential benefits derived from keeping warm using a sustainable biomass fuel far outweigh the minimal environmental health risk. |
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CLIMATE CONSENSUS CRUMBLING AS DECEMBER TEMPERATURES
REACHED AN ALL-TIME LOW The number of people in the UK who do not believe in man-made global warming has doubled in the last two years, according to a poll from the Office for National Statistics. A ten year downward temperature trend culminating in the coldest temperatures since records began plus last year’s “Warmergate” revelations of data manipulation by leading climate scientists have for many people called into question the whole theory of man-made global warming.In fact the latest climate data could well point to the imminence of the next “ice age”! There have been five true ice ages in Earth’s geological history. The last ice age which started 2 million years ago is actually still going on. During an ice age, there are periodic advances and retreats of the ice caps called glacial maxima and glacial minima. What we call "the last ice age" is technically speaking the last “glacial maximum”. At the moment we're in a glacial minimum but maximum or minimum, we are still in the grip of the fifth ice age known as the Quaternary Glaciation. For two million years the northern hemisphere has gone through a regular cycle of glaciation and retreat - 90,000 years with ice; 10,000 years without. The last glacial advance ended about 10,000 years ago. Temperatures then rose to the "Holocene Maximum" about 5,000 years ago when the temperature was about 1.5°C higher than now. The temperature had dipped again by the time of Christ, rising to the "Medieval Climate Optimum" during the years 600AD to 1100AD when temperatures were about 1°C higher than today. This was a golden age for northern European agriculture and led to the rise of Viking civilisation. Greenland, a frozen wasteland today, was then a habitable Viking colony and there were vineyards in the north of England. After this golden age, temperatures plummeted leading to "The Little Ice Age" during the 1600s and 1700s. This was a long cold spell during which the Thames used to freeze over. Temperatures have been rising slowly ever since, although they are still much lower than 1000 years ago. Changes of temperature, sometimes very rapid, have occurred throughout Earth’s history and are as natural as the seasons. Sunspot activity and Earth wobbling on its access (precession) are likely to play a part. What is apparent is that there are both long wave and shorter wave (20-30 years) climatic cycles at work. Science cannot explain the mechanics of climate change but what history has shown is that for our hemisphere at least, periods of cooling are far more damaging than the warming phases. If Europe heats up by 1°C it would probably be very beneficial. We can see this from the accounts of 1000 years ago. Moreover, increased levels of carbon dioxide make plants grow more quickly, so crop yields are likely to increase. As the climate warms, CO2 is not as readily absorbed by the oceans so levels in the atmosphere tend to increase. The Antarctic ice core samples demonstrate this relationship. This initially led to the belief that CO2 was the cause and global warming the effect. It is actually more likely that warming was the cause and increase in atmospheric CO2 the effect. Moreover CO2 is not the most important greenhouse gas- water vapour is probably responsible for eight times as much warming. Current levels of atmospheric CO2 hover around 380-400 ppm. In the geological past, levels have been much higher- rather surprisingly during one of the older ice ages (at the end of the Ordivician), there was up to ten times more CO2 in the atmosphere than in modern times. If the climate pattern of the recent geological past is repeated, the standard 10,000 year interglacial period is almost up and the next advance of the ice is imminent. The last ten years appear to bear this out with global temperatures consistently falling. Moreover, December 2010 was the coldest in Britain since records began. Even if the majority of people in the UK are now sceptical of man-made global warming, it remains to be seen whether or not the Government can be persuaded to abandon its “low carbon future” and focus on the far more pressing and serious issue of UK energy security. If temperatures do get lower, our energy requirements will certainly increase and in the absence of any viable and secure alternatives, our native British coal resources and sustainable solid biomass fuels will be more vital than ever. |
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NEW SOLID FUEL ASSOCIATION TRAINING COURSES FOR 2011 H001 - HETAS - Introduction to solid fuel – 1 day duration This course is a basic introduction to Solid Fuel Installations & Regulations. This course is targeted at the candidate who has no prior knowledge of heating or plumbing. H002 - HETAS – Solid Fuel Regulations & Standards – 2 day duration This theory and awareness course is designed to introduce candidates to the processes of solid fuel installation and is targeted at show room staff, surveyors, building control officers and architects who need the regulations update. Theory assessment and certificate which can lead to HETAS approved retail listing. H003 - HETAS - Installer Dry Appliances (practical assessed) 3 day duration This course is targeted at candidates already working in the construction/heating industry with a working knowledge of buildings and regulations. Successful completion of both theory and practical assessment leads to certification - a requirement for HETAS installer registration H004 - HETAS – Installer Wet Appliances (practical assessed) an additional 1 day This course is targeted at candidates who have relevant plumbing/heating work experience and have completed H003. Successful completion of both theory and practical assessments leads to certification, which is a requirement for HETAS category 1 installer registration H005 - HETAS – Wood Biomass Appliances (practical assessed) 4 day duration Qualified engineers with work experience, knowledge & understanding of building structure. Also may suit design engineers or architects with relevant academic qualifications in the building services industry. To register an interest in any of the above courses(dates and venues to be confirmed in due course), please contact Pauline at the SFA on 01773 835400. Details of HETAS courses available in the UK from other providers may be found by following the link: www.hetas.co.uk/installer/training-courses |
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BEWARE THE BIG FREEZE Whilst Britain freezes in the grip of our worst winter for many years, be aware of the risks which may result from frozen water pipes. Apart from the inconvenience of water leaks resulting from the damage caused by expanding ice, there is a real danger should you try to light your fire or boiler before the pipes are fully thawed. If the pipework is frozen when the fire is lit there is no way the hot water can circulate around the system. This could result in a build up of pressure within the boiler, resulting in an explosion and consequential injury to occupants. Under no circumstances light a fire before the pipes are thawed. |
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BURNING SOLID FUEL CAN REDUCE THE SIZE OF YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT ! Many people are already aware that by burning wood from a sustainable source, their carbon emissions can be drastically reduced. However, what is not so widely appreciated is that burning a blend of wood and a solid mineral fuel on a multifuel appliance could still result in lower emissions than using a typical gas condensing boiler! Wood from a sustainable source is very close to being carbon neutral. Burning well-seasoned or kiln dried wood gives a net CO2 output of only 0.08 kg/kWh compared to 0.194kg/kWh for mains gas. The good news is that even using a 50:50 blend of well -seasoned wood and a smokeless mineral fuel could still give lower carbon emissions overall than a modern condensing gas boiler. |
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Blending the fuels together in this
way provides added benefits in terms of comfort and convenience. For
instance, if overnight burning is required, the user can simply bank
up the fuel bed with solid fuel a short while before they retire for
the night. With the appliance set back to slumber once the fuel is
glowing, the fire will remain lit until the morning. |
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INCREASED OIL PRICES Britain's big freeze has forced domestic oil prices through the roof, with some rural residents paying 50% more to heat their homes. Sky-high oil prices and growing concern over security of supply are likely to create increased potential for growth in the demand for solid fuel , particularly in remote areas. In reality solid fuel prices have been consistently lower than both oil and LPG for many years. This added to the fact that native coal supplies are likely to be secure well into the future will inevitably generate renewed interest in solid fuel heating. |
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COAL KEEPS BRITAIN SMILING THROUGH THE BIG FREEZE. Around 43 per cent of all the electricity being generated in a UK firmly in the grip of the worst winter spell for decades, is being produced by coal-fired power stations. At periods of peak demand, the 16 coal fired stations located mainly in the Midlands, Yorkshire, the North West and Scotland, are producing 47 per cent of demand. At peak periods, gas stations have met around 34 per cent of demand and nuclear stations 19 per cent. During the same periods, renewables, including wind and hydro power, have collectively produced less than 1 per cent of national peak-time needs. |
| David Brewer, Director General
of the Wakefield-based Confederation of UK Coal Producers (CoalPro)
says that without coal, many parts of Britain would be without power:
“Coal is doing what other fuels are failing to do at this difficult time – helping keep Britain’s households lit and warm,” says Mr Brewer, adding: “It’s at times like this that the nation feels the full benefit of a fuel that’s easy to transport, handle and store, is abundant in the UK and around the world, flexible in its use and never fails to deliver. “Only a week ago, the Government announced its timetable for reforms of the power station market, stating that £110 billion of investment is needed in new power stations and grid updates over the next decade. We shall be urging the Government to ensure that coal remains a cornerstone in the renewal of our energy infrastructure – it’s the only fuel that delivers consistently in the most demanding of conditions.” |
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SOLID FUEL HEATING - FACTS ON HEALTH BENEFITS
There are certain health benefits associated with the open flue function that is necessary for combustion in all solid fuel appliances. The open flue way not only removes the products of combustion safety out of the home but also draws in fresh supplies of air. British Standards specify the minimum ventilation rates for various rooms in domestic dwellings – gas radiant fires and electric heating compare poorly with solid fuel in this respect. The constant cycle of air coupled with continuous heat has two direct benefits:
Medical research has demonstrated that people living
in houses with solid fuel heating are significantly less likely to
suffer from asthma and hay fever compared to those living in houses
with other forms of heating. (Copy of research available on request). |
NO CHIMNEY ? - NO PROBLEM
DON'T WAIT FOR THE LIGHTS TO GO OUT !
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