New partnership hails major step change in Scottish biomass market

Scot Heat & Power Ltd and Cochran Ltd have signed a joint agreement that will see them working closely together on the development of industrial biomass projects.

Broxburn-based Scot Heat & Power Ltd is one of Scotland’s largest independent suppliers of biomass fuel stock, including wood chip and pellets, while Cochran Ltd, based in Annan, is the UK’s oldest and largest supplier of industrial steam and hot-water boiler plant.

The combination of the companies’ significant expertise and skills will enable them to target a wider market and offer a complete package of biomass boiler, heat recovery equipment, fuel supply, handling, and clean-up equipment.

They will also be able to offer an integrated system solution that qualifies for the UK government Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme.

One of the criteria for RHI qualification is to demonstrate that reliable fuel supply contracts are in place – and this is an area in which Scot Heat & Power has excelled.

The partnership will further draw on Cochran’s project experience in designing, manufacturing, installing and servicing larger industrial steam and hot-water systems, allowing it to offer the integration of biomass systems with conventional oil and gas-fired back-up plant.

MD of Scot Heat & Power, Malcolm Snowie said: “We have remained at the forefront of innovation in the Scottish biomass fuel market through offering first class service, logistics, and leading boiler systems, and believe that our tie-up with the UK’s foremost supplier of industrial boiler systems and service will only serve to strengthen both our offerings.

“We think it is the perfect fit for an industrial biomass market that’s looking to ever more efficient and cost-effective solutions.

“Cochran brings the ideal level of experience in project engineering, management and integration that larger industrial projects require, and we are keen to start working alongside them.”

Tom Ritchie, MD of Cochran added: “We believe that Scot Heat & Power’s existing market exposure, through the supply of biomass fuel and equipment, can be meaningfully enhanced by Cochran’s steam and hot-water system expertise, as well as the technical and nationwide service support that we offer, providing a complete energy solution.

“Together, the strengths of the two companies offer the market a truly end-to-end service, from supply of equipment, financing and fuel, through to the full installation and integration of the system and after-market care packages.”