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Editorial
63 July 2006
In late April the Government published their response to
last year’s Biomass Taskforce Report on the potential for biomass in
all its forms to contribute to the supply of renewable fuel.
I am pleased to report that the Government agree with the
Taskforce’s conclusion that renewable heat
in particular ‘provides important opportunities and is a
particularly efficient way of cutting carbon emissions’. Most
importantly, in relation to forestry, the Government Response
specifically states:
‘We
support the...importance of forestry in providing a sustainable
biomass supply. There is large potential to increase the supply of
biomass from existing woodland and we see very important potential for
achieving biodiversity benefits from the consequential improvement in
woodland management’.
So
how will this new found Government understanding of the potential for
existing woodlands to supply woodfuel translate into active support?
Some of the
resulting Government actions are:
The immediate development of a national Biomass Energy Centre by the
Forestry Commission providing a single point of contact on biomass,
providing technical and scientific advice, information and best
practice guidance.
A new 5-year capital grant scheme for biomass heat projects (to be
introduced end 2006) which will stimulate further demand for wood
fuel;
A new round of the Bio-energy Capital Grants Scheme to be run in 2006
For
a full version of the Government Response and the original Taskforce
Report please go to: http://www.defra.gov.uk/farm/acu/energy/biomass-taskforce.
Local
opportunities to supply the developing wood fuel market are emerging.
Within this issue of WoodLots, South East Wood Fuels are offering
membership of their woodchip supply network (see Jobs
& Opportunities) and Homegrown Timber are seeking new
suppliers of low grade timber and forestry residues to fulfill their
orders for chipped wood fuel (see Round
Timber Wanted).
I
hope you find this issue useful.
Jenny
Martin
WoodLots Editor
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