With the continuing rise of energy bills, farmers are having to find alternative routes to survive. We build relationships with our customers and know the issues they are facing, and to help them not only survive, but diversify and grow is something that is important to us.
Our customer is a well-established (over 20 years) pig farming partnership based in West Yorkshire. The partnership has a herd of around 70 sows and the focus is taking piglets from birth until weaning at around six weeks old. Because of the piglets’ age the pig sheds are constantly heated to ensure the animals’ health and wellbeing. Up until now this heat has been provided by mains electricity. However, the recent massive increases in energy costs have seen the farm’s electricity bill jump from around £10000.00 per annum to nearly £50000.00 per annum; at this level the farm business was no longer viable and there was a real risk of the business closing.
To be able to continue trading for the foreseeable future our client has sourced and acquired a 235 kW biomass boiler to enable both the pig sheds and farmhouse to be heated. The fuel source for the boiler is timber and straw currently grown and available on the farm; therefore the costs to run the boiler are negligible. Over five years and with a minimal deposit the partnership’s annual finance payments are less than the previous annual electricity charge.
As a result of bringing this boiler on stream the partnership has brought its costs under control and is now looking to expand its herd of sows in 2023.
We have known the partners for around six years and have previously funded machinery into them. They chose to work with Credo on this project based on existing relationships, our knowledge of the renewable energy finance marketplace, and our ability to quickly provide a flexible solution to their problem.
Biomass boilers can produce 8 times lower carbon dioxide compared to traditional gas boilers, and use sustainable fuel. A biomass boiler could help you reduce your energy bills and environmental impact. Why not give us a call on 01603 381955 to see what we can do to help?
