Minister challenges woodfuel task force

Environment Minister Michael Russell has challenged the newly formed woodfuel task force to find ways to boost the biomass sector, which will increase rural employment and help tackle climate change.

The woodfuel task force was launched in June with the aim of increasing the supply of wood for renewable energy production.

Led by Forestry Commission Scotland, the task force is comprised of representatives from the renewable energy, wood processing and land management sectors.

The group met for the first time on July 31 at Forestry Commission Scotland's headquarters in Edinburgh.

The task force has been challenged to determine the sources of available biomass material from:.

* established forests.

* neglected woodlands.

* short rotation coppice.

* arboricultural and landscaping activities.

* recycled and waste wood.

The task force will also advise on the impact of market price on supply from these sources to woodfuel users and other processing sectors.

For each of these areas, the task force will investigate potential barriers to accessing the sources of woody materials and propose solutions, as well as determining the likely wood resource available.

Mr Russell said: "Climate change is an unprecendented global challenge and the Scottish government is determined to play its part".

"The task force is an early indication of this determination as we seek to develop the biomass sector".

"We recognise the wide range of benefits that biomass has the potential to deliver.

This includes creating jobs in rural economies, increasing renewable energy production which will help tackle climate change and utilising waste materials".

"I have challenged the task force to act as the catalyst to turn this potential into reality and I look forward to hearing recommendations from the group in December".

he task force will report to the Environment Minister by the end 2007.

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