A new map of woodfuel suppliers in the UK has seen its number of company listings jump by nearly 30% in the week after launch.
The online National Biofuel Suppliers Database ( NBSD http://nbsd.carbontrust.co.uk) has been created by the Forestry Commission’s Biomass Energy Centre (BEC), with funding from the Carbon Trust, and replaces the BEC’s previous woodfuel suppliers listing. On its launch it included the location and details of 296 suppliers. A week later that had risen to 375.
“It just shows the level of interest and demand in the woodfuel market currently,” said Ian Tubby, FC Forest Services principal advisor – business and markets.
The map is designed to tie in with the implementation of the Renewable Heating Incentive, a government grant scheme aimed at increasing the use of biomass and other renewable fuels to provide heating for businesses.
“Potential end users are often unaware that the woodfuel supply-chain is well established in many parts of the country, offering a viable alternative to oil and gas, and the new map makes it easy for them to locate their nearest or preferable fuel supplier,” said Benj Sykes, director of innovation at the Carbon Trust. “We also hope it will provide confidence to sites contemplating installing biomass heating, that fuel can be found for their boilers.”
Woodfuel suppliers are listed free on the new map and can register and submit their details online.
As part of its Woodfuel Implementation plan, FC England has also recently launched a Woodfuel Woodland Improvement Grant to increase the amount of wood supplied from currently under-utilised woodlands .
“One effect of this could be woodland owners looking at the potential of their trees for supplying timber as well as woodfuel,” said Mr Tubby.
