Biomass

Businesses in England searching for locally produced woodfuel can now access a comprehensive list of suppliers through the Biomass Energy Centre.

The independent advisory service, managed by the Forestry Commission (FC), has launched a ‘Woodfuel Suppliers List’ covering all the English regions. The map-based list of fuel suppliers has been compiled in response to concerns among purchasers of securing a reliable, local supply of woodfuel, including wood chips and pellets, for heat and hot water.

”This new tool allows users to find local suppliers and reduce their fuel miles making woodfuel an even greener choice,” said Angela Duignan, head of Woodfuel Implementation for the FC England.

Most English regions now have initiatives in place to increase the use of biomass, including woodfuel, in their areas as a sustainable source of energy because it provides a market for a local, renewable resources and can save money on fuel bills as well as reducing carbon emissions.

Earlier this year, Envirolink Northwest, the agency that helps develop low-carbon technologies and services in the Northwest of England, launched a £750,000 programme to get the region’s industries to adopt biomass energy systems. These included energy-intensive industries, such as chemical, textiles, food and drink and paper manufacturing, subject to the EU Emissions Trading Scheme.

As part of its Woodfuel Strategy for England, the FC is aiming to bring woods back into management to create a market for two million tonnes of timber for woodfuel each year by 2020.

"The beauty of woodfuel is that it is a local, renewable resource that can also reduce energy costs, especially for businesses and community organisations in rural areas not connected to the gas network, " said Duignan.

The Environment Agency (EA) is also keen to promote woodfuel as source of green energy, because although burning wood releases carbon dioxide, this is balanced by the carbon dioxide absorbed in the original growth of the trees.

However, the EA has warned against certain biomass energy products, which it says could actually increase greenhouse gas emissions. Recent research by the agency shows some forms of biomass crop, such as straw, can produce at least 35 per cent more than a combined cycle gas turbine power station for each unit of energy delivered.