There is growing interest in biomass as a sustainable source of energy, according to Aboyne-based forest managment company Andrew Nicol Chartered Foresters.

The company had a stand featuring wood chip heating at the recent All Energy Opportunities 2004 exhibition in Aberdeen.

Andrew Nicol said: “In the UK we have the forests to give a long-term and secure supply of fuelwood for wood-burning systems to provide water and space heating for diverse applications including housing schemes, community centres, care homes and workshops.

“Wood to heat technology has a well-proven track record in Scandinavia, Austria and elsewhere and it is most encouraging to see such strong support for biomass energy in the recent report from the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution.

&#8220Faced with the prospect of higher oil and gas prices, now is the time for any progressive organisation with even moderate heating needs to reconsider their fuel procurement policy”

Andrew Nicol

“There was a good buzz to the All Energy Opportunities Conference and Exhibition with a remarkable concentration of technological expertise on display.

“Faced with the prospect of higher oil and gas prices, now is the time for any progressive organisation with even moderate heating needs to reconsider their fuel procurement policy.”