March 15, 2011 10.14 am This story is over 164 months old

Minister of State visits Lincoln firm

Climate concern: A government minister has visited Lincoln to launch an environmental scheme.
Pictured (L-R): Lincoln MP Karl McCartney, Hoval Managing Director Adrian Walker and Minister of State Gregory Barker

Member of Parliament and Minister of State Gregory Barker visited Hoval in Lincoln to launch a Government scheme for renewable heat technologies.

Called the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), the scheme aims provide long-term support for renewable heat technologies from solar panels to biomass boilers.

The RHI scheme will provide a guaranteed ‘cash-back’ scheme for wood-fuelled boilers and other renewable heat systems.

It is estimated there are 2,000 commercial wood heating boilers now in place throughout the UK, with the sector set for growth.

Hoval has UK sites in Beevor Street, Lincoln and Newark, employing about 100 staff. The company manufactures wood pellet boilers and other heating equipment.

Minister of State for the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) Gregory Barker said over 95% of heat in the UK is produced by burning fossil fuel, producing around half of the UK’s carbon emissions – more than from generating electricity.

“The Renewable Heat Incentive is the first of its kind in the world,” Barker said.

“It will help the UK shift away from fossil fuels, supporting jobs and growth in an important green industry of the future.

“Hoval is in a prime position to take advantage of this exciting new market in renewable heat.

Adrian Walker is the Managing Director of Hoval, which have been designing and manufacturing boilers and associated equipment in the UK for over 120 years.

“The RHI will provide an important boost to manufacturers of renewable heat technologies and will incentivize property owners to specify biomass boilers for both new build projects and replacement heating systems,” Walker added.

Hoval Biomass boilers have been installed in many different properties including BAE Airbus, RAF Valley, HMP Nottingham and Northumbria Police HQ.

Lincoln MP Karl McCartney also attended the Minister of State’s visit to Lincoln.

“It is especially pleasing for me to see a company that is partly based in our city thriving and also taking on more staff and I am sure that the Minister found his visit interesting and of course I would hope to welcome him back to Lincoln again in the future,” McCartney said.