• Good Energy funds biomass boiler pool project at Portishead Open Air Pool

25 April 2011: Today, North Somerset MP Liam Fox will officially reopen Portishead Open Air Pool for the summer season, welcoming the installation of a new biomass boiler, funded largely by 100% renewable electricity supplier Good Energy.

Dr. Liam Fox and Good Energy’s CEO Juliet Davenport will be joining Easter Bank Holiday swimmers and Trustees of the pool to celebrate the pool’s summer season and new renewable heating system. The biomass boiler is funded by Good Energy as part of its commitment to the independent Green Energy Supply Certification Scheme, with the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) contributing to the ancillary costs.  It is powered by locally-sourced wood pellets which meet Good Energy’s stringent environmental procurement policy.  Heating with biomass is carbon neutral which means that the amount of CO₂ released when the pellets are burned is equal to the amount they absorbed when they grew. 

The pool previously used the equivalent of one litre of oil on heating annually for each swimmer. Thanks to the new boiler, fossil-fuel usage will be cut by 80%. Over the boiler’s lifespan it will save the pool over 2000 tonnes of C0₂; and typically save £6,000 on fuel bills a year.

Under the government’s new Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme, the pool should receive a payment of around £12,000 a year for the energy generated by the boiler.  This income will be entrusted to an independent body to invest in further renewable heat projects, creating a continuous stream of carbon savings.

Dr. Liam Fox, local MP, said:

“I am delighted to visit Portishead Open Air Pool and congratulate them on their switch to a biomass boiler heating system. It’s fantastic to see such a loved, local attraction in Portishead at the forefront of renewable energy, which can help lower carbon emissions and in the long run use local resources efficiently. Good Energy’s commitment to the Government’s targets of reducing C0₂, by funding schemes such as the biomass boiler project, demonstrates to all businesses, schools and communities throughout North Somerset how we all have a part to play. Portishead Pool and Good Energy’s project is an excellent local example of how such systems can be set up.”

Juliet Davenport, founder and Chief Executive of Good Energy, added:

“It’s great to see renewable energy in action and a good feeling for those people using Portishead Pool to know their swim is a low carbon one! The idyllic location of this outdoor pool demonstrates why it is so important to look after our environment and lower our carbon emissions. We were so pleased to be able to provide the funding to make this happen, as both the pool and the local council have put a huge amount of effort into the project.  We also have to thank Good Energy customers, without whom we wouldn’t be able to finance this type of project.  By shifting to green energy, Portishead Pool gains cost-effective low carbon heating – demonstrating that harnessing renewable energy is good for the pocket as well as the planet.”

Sally Chorlton, Acting Chair of the Portishead Pool Trustees, said:

“Portishead Pool is thrilled that we are able to open this season with Dr Liam Fox MP and Juliet Davenport. A lot of time and work has gone into restoring all aspects of the pool and we are delighted with the outcome. The improvement in renewable technology is a great development for the pool and has enabled us to replace ageing equipment whilst saving on heating cost and significantly reducing our carbon footprint. We are thrilled that Good Energy has chosen Portishead Pool as one of its community renewable heat projects and look forward to welcoming swimmers this summer.”

Mark Prior, Woodfuel Project Manager at the South West RDA, said:

“This project is one of 18 that we have funded to help stimulate the bioheat industry in the South West. By working in partnership with the Forestry Commission and Regen SW through the South West Bioheat Programme we have been able to increase the number of systems on the ground, support fuel suppliers and provide recognised training programmes across the region.” 

Kevin Boniface, Senior Associate at Sustain who advised on the installation of the biomass boiler and its design, said:

 “It’s great to see this commitment to renewable energy generation. Careful design at the outset meant that the right technology was chosen, which will deliver real cost and environmental benefits.”

- Ends -

For more information please contact

Esme Knight on 07500840605 or esmeknight@luther.co.uk;

Sophy Fearnley-Whittingstall on 01249 767482 or sophy@goodenergy.co.uk

Notes to Editor

• Good Energy is unique in the electricity supply industry by selling only 100% renewable electricity. Its standard electricity tariff is certified under the independent Green Energy Supply Scheme. To compare the fuel mix of other suppliers please visit: www.electricityinfo.org/suppliers.php
• More than 26,000 homes and businesses across the UK have switched to Good Energy
• Good Energy supports a pioneering community of more than 2,000 independent renewable generators that use wind, small-scale hydro, solar power and sustainable biomass to generate homegrown energy
• The Green Energy Supply Certification Scheme ensures that a minimum of 50kg of CO₂ is abated for each customer each year. Good Energy has chosen to do this through investment in renewable heat projects that benefit local communities.
• Good Energy has won numerous awards including: West of England Business of the Year 2009; Sunday Times Green Company 2009; Observer Ethical Award for best online retail initiative 2009; and CEO Juliet Davenport won PLUS markets CEO of the Year in 2009 and 2010.

Visit www.goodenergy.co.uk, follow Good Energy on Facebook and Twitter.