The projects will heat and power many of the historic buildings that the Trust is responsible for maintaining and protecting. The decision follows the successful completion of an initial five renewable energy projects, part of a £3.5 million project that the Trust launched with Good Energy in 2013. These included a biomass boiler at Ickworth in Suffolk which was officially switched on by the new UK Energy Secretary, Amber Rudd. The boiler replaced a 5,000 litre oil tank in the grounds, thereby removing the danger of contamination from oil leaks.
Ickworth also sourced wood fuel directly from its estate. This not only enable the historic property to become self-sufficient in heat but also enabled the Trust to reinstate lost design features from the Grade II listed park and gardens.
The Trust is aiming to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels by cutting its energy usage by 20 percent and sourcing 50 percent of its energy from renewable sources on land it looks after. This could also help save up to £4 million on energy costs per year. Some of the electricity generated by the projects will be exported to the grid, thereby providing the Trust with a source of income.
The new projects include a 200 kW lake source heating project on Blickling Estate in Norfolk. This will remove two oil tanks and 25,572 litres of oil consumption with an estimated saving of 68 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year. Two biomass boilers will be installed at Upton House in Warwickshire in order to heat the mansion and other areas and saving an estimated 55 tonnes of CO2 per year. A 250 kW hydro scheme at Hayeswater in Cumbria will provide an income stream to support conservation work.
“In setting out our 10 year plan we recognised we’ll have to play our part in helping to mitigate climate change” said Patrick Begg, the Trust’s rural enterprises director. “A key part of that is to reduce our reliance on oil and look for greener energy solutions.”
Mr Begg added that the Trust has a responsibility to look after the properties and other sites in its care, thereby requiring the Trust to make long-term decisions that will protect its assets for future generations. Many of these properties are energy-intensive and in remote areas without access to mains gas. Installing renewable energy will be a huge challenge, but the Trust says it has learned a great deal so far and will continue to do so.
Good Energy has worked alongside the Trust as its main energy partner and to help it develop its renewable energy strategy while also helping to inspire others to think about their energy use.
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