Developing the Scottish biomass industry

Wood Energy, the UK and Ireland's leading provider and installer of energy efficient biomass heating solutions, appoint Dan Gates as Business Development Manager for Scotland.

Based in Perth, Dan has joined Wood Energy to support and develop a growing demand for its products and biomass technology in Scotland.

Previously Dan worked as woodfuel information officer for Forestry Commission Scotland.

He decided to move into the commercial sector so that he could help pioneer what is regarded as a huge growth opportunity for biomass technology in Scotland and forecasts that it has the potential to lead the UK and Ireland.

Commenting on his appointment, Dan said: "Scotland has recently adopted ambitious green energy planning targets and energy from wood has been shown to be the most cost effective method of achieving carbon savings from renewables.

It's the right time to shout about biomass in Scotland.

"I joined Wood Energy because I saw an opportunity to get more involved in the practical side of biomass and work on high calibre projects.

Wood Energy appealed to me because they are a well-respected company and leaders in their field.

"I relish the opportunity to extend Wood Energy's success into Scotland; I view Scotland as an important market for biomass because it has huge potential in terms of fuel supply.

High-energy users are looking for alternatives to oil and gas because of the level of expense involved as fossil fuel prices continue to rise.

Wood Energy's biomass boilers provide the most cost effective way to meet CO2 and renewable obligations.

"That's the message I'm keen to get across.

It's all about educating the decision-makers about the suitability of biomass for large-scale projects.

Schools, hospitals, hotels, prisons, retail and housing developments are just some of the installations we've got under our belt in the UK and Ireland".

Wood Energy's most recent contract award in Scotland is to install a biomass steam boiler in the Royal Crichton Hospital of Dumfries and Galloway.

The 1.6 megawatt boiler is being installed in December and the hospital will be opening in 2008.

The substantial forecasted reduction to energy bills and its green credentials persuaded the NHS to choose biomass technology.

"Hopefully this installation will generate more interest in biomass in Scotland," says Dan.

"It's a very exciting time and a real chance for Scotland to not only embrace renewables but potentially lead the way for the rest of the UK and Ireland.".

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