Heat pumps (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Heat pumps

9:59am Tuesday 17th February 2009

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While wind farm protesters were challenging Scottish Power outside the Pershore College conference on Thursday, February 5, I was present at the latest of many seminars I have attended on ground source heat pumps.

Was this green technology outlined to the farmers? Ground source heat pump systems do not need planning department approval, they are inconspicuous, very reliable and cut co2 emissions by over 40%, if properly designed and installed. They are normally eligible for government funded grants towards capital costs. From small domestic systems to major, megawatt producing ones, they heat buildings and water for washing and some models can be switched to deliver low-cost cooling in summer months. In the right circumstances, and there are plenty, the technology gives the best solution for farmers, but it will not be right for every farm. Recognising when it is the best option calls for careful identification of the reasons for wanting this technology and good understanding of the implications of choosing for or against.

As with any of the renewable energy technologies, whether biomass, wind, solar thermal, solar power or heat pumps, it is not enough to scan suppliers websites, amass brochures and come to a decision based on points emerging during a few informal chats or while reading articles in popular publications. It can lead to expensive mistakes.

I am not a consultant and will offer no guarantees but I have been in the heat pump industry for eleven years and am happy to develop the ground source heat pump scenario without charge or obligation with anyone wishing to delve deeper, 01386 443826.

It seems Scottish Power’s Mr Derek Christie was also aiming to give guidance on sound decision making. He named the need for accurate information but omitted the second necessity which is full information. So will the company assist the community to get more?

For example will it assist the gathering of the latest research finding on low level noise from wind turbines and it potential effects? Will it show how these findings refute those already held by the protesters or, if they do not, will the company fund and implement whatever measures are necessary to reduce the vibrations so that this does not remain a live issue around here?

Paul Brown, Evesham

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