17 years supplying wood fuel to Heathrow Airport
Supporting one of the world’s major international airports with a reliable, long-term supply of quality wood chip.
RELATIONSHIP
17 years
FUEL
Wood chip
SYSTEM
10MW biomass CHP
SUPPLY
25,000+ tonnes annually
01 – The RELATIONSHIP
A long-term wood fuel partnership
LC Energy’s relationship with Heathrow Airport began with the supply of wood fuel for the airport’s biomass energy requirements and has developed into a long-standing partnership spanning 17 years.
Heathrow’s biomass energy centre uses wood chip to generate heat and power for buildings and terminals across the airport. Supplying an operation of this scale requires more than simply delivering fuel: consistency, logistics, responsible sourcing and continuity of supply all matter.
LC Energy’s established wood fuel supply network and practical biomass experience have enabled the company to support Heathrow’s requirements over the long term.
02 – The SCALE
Supplying biomass fuel at airport scale
Heathrow’s biomass energy centre was developed as part of the rebuilding of Terminal 2, with a 10MW biomass combined heat and power system designed to provide heat and power across airport buildings and terminals.
The original fuel-supply contract called for more than 25,000 tonnes of wood chip each year, creating a substantial requirement for dependable fuel quality, secure supply and carefully managed logistics.
LC Energy established its supply around UK timber and strategically located processing and distribution infrastructure, helping maintain continuity of supply while keeping transport distances under consideration.
03 – RESPONSIBLE SOURCING
Keeping the supply chain closer to home
The original contract was specifically built around sourcing wood from sustainably managed woodland in the region, principally within a 100-mile radius of Heathrow. LC Energy processed and stored wood chip at a hub located less than two miles from the airport.
01
UK-grown timber
Wood fuel sourced through established UK supply chains, with LC Energy’s current wood chip certified through Grown in Britain.
02
Local infrastructure
Processing and distribution infrastructure positioned to support reliable supply and efficient delivery.
03
Quality-controlled fuel
Wood chip produced to the specification and moisture requirements of the biomass system.
04 – RELIABILITY
When continuity of supply matters
An airport energy centre cannot be treated like an occasional fuel customer. Supply needs to be planned around demand, storage capacity, delivery access and the operational requirements of the biomass system.
LC Energy’s long-term relationship with Heathrow demonstrates the company’s ability to manage wood fuel supply at significant scale while maintaining the consistency and service required by a major infrastructure customer.
05 – MORE THAN A SUPPLY CONTRACT
A relationship built over time
LC Energy’s relationship with Heathrow has extended beyond fuel deliveries. In 2019, Heathrow employees joined LC Energy for their eighth tree-planting event together, planting 1,000 trees at Hascombe Estate as part of a wider woodland-management scheme.
LC Energy was also involved in the Heathrow Business Summit in 2023, where Mark spoke about its wood fuel supply and collaborative work with Heathrow.
06 – THE RESULT
17 years of continuous partnership
17 years
Working with Heathrow
10MW
Biomass CHP system
25,000+ tonnes*
Original annual wood chip requirement
For more than 15 years, LC Energy has played an important role in supporting Heathrow Airport’s renewable energy objectives through the consistent supply of sustainably sourced biomass fuel. Their ability to deliver at scale, maintain supply chain resilience and adapt to the operational demands of a major hub airport has been invaluable. LC Energy has proven to be a dependable long-term partner, combining commercial reliability with a genuine commitment to sustainability and continuous improvement.
Darren Smith
Heathrow Utilities Performance Manager, Heathrow Airport
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01
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02
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03
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