Forestry and climate change in Wales

 

Forestry policy in Wales is devolved to the National Assembly with Forestry Commission Wales acting as the Assembly’s forestry department. ‘Woodlands for Wales’ sets out the Welsh Assembly Government policy for trees and woodlands.

Much work has been undertaken to develop products from Welsh hardwoods and softwoods, which both enhance the life of the forest carbon store and are a useful substitute for more energy intensive materials.

Renewable Energy

The delivery of specific targets from the renewable energy sector in Wales is a key component of National Assembly policy, and the nation's woodlands will make an important contribution to the UK's overall future energy mix.

UK Government policy requires that by 2010, 10% of electricity supply must come from renewable sources. To meet this challenging commitment, a mix of new and existing renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency measures will be needed.

Forestry Commission Wales is committed to helping the Assembly achieve its renewable energy objectives. Wood is a cheap renewable fuel that can be replenished continuously from local woodlands. The use of wood as a fuel, in place of coal or oil, can contribute to national targets to increase the use of renewable energy and global targets to reduce carbon emissions.

Forestry Commission Wales has launched a £7 million grant scheme to kick-start a sustainable energy industry in Wales based on wood fuel.

Wood fuel technologies for the provision of heat and power are well established in many European countries, such as Austria and Sweden. Automated wood-fired central heating systems which burn wood chips or pellets now account for up to 40% of space heating in rural areas in some countries.

The development of a renewable-energy sector in Wales is a key target for the National Assembly as set out in the Assembly’s strategy for trees and woodlands Woodlands for Wales.

Wind farms can also make an important contribution to the Assembly’s renewable energy ambitions. Wind power is a clean, renewable source of energy which produces no greenhouse gas emissions or waste products. As Wales’s biggest landowner, the Assembly has identified onshore wind farms as having a key role to play in helping to meet renewable energy obligations.

Woodland management benefits

A significant amount of woodland is currently under-managed. The sale of woodfuel can offer a new source of income to woodlands owners and managers, promoting sustainable woodland management.