Isra-Mart srl : Heat pumps and biomass boilers boost utilities' green services

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Isra-Mart srl
EDF Energy has formed a partnership with a British heat pump manufacturer in response to the growing demand from customers seeking to benefit from the government's planned Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme.

The utility announced this week that it has signed a contract for an undisclosed sum with Surrey-based Daikin to supply the Altherma range of air source heat pumps to domestic customers.
EDF said it now plans to launch the Daikin Altherma Monobloc unit by June this year alongside the Mitsubishi Ecodan units it already offers customers.

The deal marks another step forward for the renewable microgeneration sector, as utilities diversify their portfolios in response to customer demand and low carbon government incentive schemes.

EDF head of energy services Angus Wilby said the company will install heat pumps in homes through its EcoRenew service.

"Our partnership with Daikin allows EDF Energy to broaden its range of low carbon propositions," he said. "The government has recently announced the launch of the RHI and Premium Payments for air source heat pump technologies, which will provide customers with a financial benefit for choosing this technology."

He added that heat pumps are suitable for people looking to upgrade their heating and hot water systems, reduce energy bills and carbon emissions, or supply heat for those those off the gas grid.

In related news, E.ON and Barrett Homes confirmed today that they have formed a partnership to develop 1,900 low carbon homes powered by renewable community energy schemes.

Under an Energy Services Company agreement, E.ON will manage and maintain the energy supply for four housing developments in east London and Croydon, supplying heat and hot water using centralised combined heat and power and biomass boilers instead of traditional gas boilers.

The four developments are expected to provide carbon savings of almost 18,500 tonnes over the next 10 years, the two companies said.

E.ON's head of community energy Jeremy Bungey said that partnerships such as the one agreed with Barrett will play a key role in the success of large-scale low carbon housing developments.

"Decentralised energy centres, which generate community-based, low carbon energy from more sustainable sources, help customers to lower their energy bills by using energy more efficiently and lowering carbon emissions," he added.