British Gas may be hedging its bets about future energy sources, having bought a near 20% share in Econergy – a specialist in biomass heating systems – for £1 million.

The deal gives British Gas the option of acquiring the whole business over the next four years.

Econergy, which designs, manufacturers and installs a range of biomass heating systems for the domestic, commercial and public sectors, reported sales of around £5m for the year to June, 2008.

Centrica, the parent company of British Gas, bought Econergy for its British Gas New Energy Division and this adds to previous purchases of Solar Technologies and Semplice Energy; an agreement with Ceres Power Holdings; and, partnerships with Baxi, Disenco and vPhase.

Guest Article by Neil Camp