Product category:
Building Regulations and Accreditation
News Release from: Forestry Commission | Subject: Boosting renewable energy
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 12 May 2008
Boosting renewable energy forms in
Scotland
Number of key actions to boost the use of biomass for renewable energy in Scotland have been announced by Environment Minister, Michael Russell.
Michael Russell visited the Boiler House site, NHS Dumfries and Galloway to view a new biomass boiler funded by the Scottish Biomass Support Scheme Twenty five actions have been agreed by the Government in response to recommendations in a report by the woodfuel task force
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 23 Jun 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Forestry Commission Statistical Publications
A range of Forestry Commission statistical publications are issued as "National Statistics", on pre-announced dates.
Talk To The Trees - The Regional Woodland Strategy
The Regional Woodland Strategy for the East of England is published in draft form and is available now for consultation.
The task force was launched in June 2007 with the aim of increasing the supply of wood for renewable energy production.
The task force was challenged by the Minister to find ways to boost the biomass sector, which will increase rural employment and help tackle climate change.
Led by Forestry Commission Scotland, the task force comprises representatives from the renewable energy, wood processing and land management sectors.
Further reading
Squirrel Damage: Help Is On Hand
Woodland owners and managers have a new source of advice to help them combat the threat to trees posed by growing numbers of grey squirrels in Britain.
Furure For Scotland's Woods, People And Wildlife
The Scottish Executive wants more joined-up woodlands in Scotland.
Britain's Forest Area Grows
Over twelve thousand hectares (30,000 acres) of new woodlands were planted in Britain last year, helping to bring our forest cover to the highest level it has been in over 300 years.
The report - 'Increasing the supply of wood for renewable energy production in Scotland' - will play a major part in helping the Scottish Government to achieve its ambitious renewable energy targets.
Announcing the woodfuel task force recommendations and viewing the new biomass boiler at the Crichton Infirmary, Environment Minister, Michael Russell said: "The task force is part of the Scottish Government's commitment to play a role in tackling climate change and the recommendations will form a valuable part of the approaches we are taking towards addressing this critical issue".
""Biomass has the potential to deliver a wide range of benefits and the report contains innovative and sensible recommendations which will help to turn the potential of biomass as a new form of renewable energy into reality.
I have been particularly pleased by the way that industry has come together to work on this report - and the outcomes demonstrate why cross industry working can achieve good results.
"I am pleased today to view the biomass boiler here in Dumfries, which has been supported by the Scottish Biomass Support Scheme".
"This is the first biomass boiler to be installed in an NHS hospital in Scotland, and will make a real contribution, not only to reducing costs, but also to helping the NHS deliver real carbon savings in their operations." Some of the key recommendations are:.
* Forestry Commission Scotland will set up a series of demonstration sites across Scotland to promote bioenergy best practise and gain new knowledge.
Research from these sites will be communicated to the industry on a regular basis.
* Development of a branch wood and brash recovery grant to help to encourage growers to bring this material to market, and to do more thinning in their forests and woodlands.
* Improving knowledge about, and handling of, biomass in the waste streams to ensure that as much as possible is used for bioenergy.
* The development of a life cycle assessment model to enable the calculation of carbon benefits and disadvantages from the various biomass growing or utilisation options.
* Developing appropriate infrastructure to utilise arboriculture arisings as a wood fuel and avoid the material entering the waste stream.
NHS Dumfries and Galloway are the first NHS hospital in Scotland to install a biomass boiler with funding of GBP310,753 from the Scottish Government's Scottish Biomass Support Scheme.
It will provide heat to both the Crichton Royal Hospital and Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary sites, and has been installed by Woodenergy , with site, civil and mechanical and engineering works carried out by local firms.
The woodfuel system will generate substantial revenue savings for the NHS and carbon savings of around 2,375 tCO2 pa.
Fuel is being supplied by Buccleuch Natural Fuels Limited from local woodlands, with the supply facility based at the Queensberry Estate, Thornhill.
John Ross, Chairman: "As Chairman of Dumfries and Galloway NHS Board, I am delighted to welcome the Environment Minister to view at first hand our new Biomass Boiler unit, the first such boiler to be installed at a hospital in Scotland".
"As a Board we have demonstrated by this investment, our ongoing commitment to the environment and to reducing our carbon footprint." The project has potential to support the development of a local woodfuel supply chain, transform the local market and to sustain or create 10 to 15 jobs in the local community.
For a copy of the woodfuel task force report visit the website.
• Forestry Commission: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Buildingtalk email newsletter
• Buildingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
