25th February 2010: Woodfuel workshop, Scottish Borders
A one-day workshop covering woodfuel production from small woodlands in the Scottish Borders.
For details, see: www.forestresearch.gov.uk/fr/INFD-82DC4C
Forestry Commission Scotland supports the creation of a vibrant, viable and expanding bio-energy sector:
- We lead the Woodfuel Task Force, set up with the aim of increasing the supply of wood for renewable energy production.
- We have worked with the Scottish Government to deliver the £7.5 million Scottish Biomass Support Scheme, which has funded over 60 projects to install biomass heating and set up supply chains.
- We developed the Biomass Action Plan for Scotland (PDF 1.6Mb) with the Scottish Government and are part of the Cross-Government Group on Bioenergy.
- We already supply substantial volumes to the biomass industry and have identified additional volumes suitable for biomass to tender on the open market (See more information on current tenders).
- A dedicated website at www.usewoodfuel.co.uk has information using woodfuel in many different types of situation, from heating the home to developing a large-scale energy plant.
- We have also provided advice to the Scottish Government on windfarm projects that impact on forest habitats.
Woodfuel usage study
This study looks at existing and potential woodfuel usage in the commercial, industrial and electrical energy sectors of the Scottish market to March 2009. The information in the study is used to:
- establish the extent of the continuing growth of the woodfuel sector
- inform the Scottish Government on the progress towards its targets for woodfuel use and renewable energy generation
- assess the effects of projects in the planning stage on long term supply and demand in the sector, and the likely effects on long term markets for timber from the national forest and other potential sources of woodfuel.
The report follows on from the work of the Scottish Woodfuel Task Force.
- You can also read the 2008 woodfuel demand and usage - update report (PDF 135k).
Some of the key FCS activities regarding bio-energy are:
- Expanding the woodfuel information officer network
- We work closely with other agencies and organisations across Scotland to develop the biomass industry, as well as liaising with Forestry Commission colleagues across GB. Contact details are on the www.usewoodfuel.co.uk website.
- Liaison with the National Farmers' Union to help promote biomass as a fuel within the farming community.
Developing supply
Development of the supply chain is an important part of encouraging the woodfuel industry. The Scottish Government has welcomed the Woodfuel Task Force report and its recommendations to increase the available resource for bioenergy use. New businesses are being set up to supply biomass at all scales, and a list of suppliers is available on the www.usewoodfuel.co.uk website.
Support for renewables & bio-energy
There is a range of measure to support bio-energy from expanding the resource to installing woodfuel systems:
- Grants are available under the new Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) (www.scotland.gov.uk/srdp) for woodland creation and management, as well as for the establishment of Short Rotation Coppice. Other options available include measures to help farm and forestry businesses, rural micro-enterprises and communities install renewable energy systems or set up supply chains.
- The Scottish Community & Housholders Renewables Initiatives (SCHRI) (www.est.org.uk/schri) provides funding for community and household renewables.
- The Low Carbon Buildings Programme (www.lowcarbonbuildings.co.uk) also provides funding for community and household renewables.
