A study is underway to evaluate the potential of bio-fuel produced from waste generated by Scottish forest industries.

The initiative is one of several issues raised during a seminar last January organised by the Scottish Forest Industries Cluster and is examining the costs and markets for building a wood pellet plant in Scotland.

Another industry workshop to review the early findings will be held next February 7.

The SFIC seminar reported: “For every 10 tonnes of timber harvested, a further five tonnes are left in the forest from the primary processing and of the 10 tonnes extracted, four tonnes are subsequently lost as sawdust, shavings and offcuts after further processing.

&#8220In addition to helping achieve UK and EU renewable energy targets, the creation of a Scottish woodfuel industry would offer significant business diversification opportunities for various parts of the Scottish forestry industry.”

Scottish Forest Industries Cluster spokesperson

“In addition to helping achieve UK and EU renewable energy targets, the creation of a Scottish woodfuel industry would offer significant business diversification opportunities for various parts of the Scottish forestry industry.”

A panel from the Forestry Contracting Association and energy organisations from the UK and Denmark is heading the new study.