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At Prime Ministers Questions on 25th January the Prime Minister showed his support for the Biomass Industry in answer to a question from Nigel Adams MP, Member of Parliament for Selby & Ainsty. The Prime Minister, Rt Hon David Cameron MP, said:
“We should … increase support for an expansion in sustainable biomass generation, which is reliable and cost-effective, and will help us to meet our renewables target.”
The Back Biomass campaign welcomes the continuing support of the Government for Biomass. However the campaign would urge supporters not to be complacent. Those industries who oppose biomass continue to campaign against this renewable technology. The consultation may have ended but it is essential that we continue to demonstrate the strength of support for biomass to Ministers and officials.
Full text of the Parliamentary Question from Hansard:
Ngel Adams MP (Conservative: Selby and Ainsty)
“Following the renewable energy subsidy review, will the Prime Minister assure taxpayers that the Government will focus their support on technologies that are cost-effective and reliable, such as biomass, rather than inefficient, costly, large-scale onshore wind farms?”
Rt Hon David Cameron MP (Conservative: Witney – Prime Minister)
“My hon. Friend will know that the consultation on the renewable obligation banding review has just closed. It proposed targeting only the most cost-effective onshore wind farms, recognising that that is now one of the mature and cheaper technologies. We should, as he says, increase support for an expansion in sustainable biomass generation, which is reliable and cost-effective, and will help us to meet our renewables target.”
Date added: 2012-02-03
Rugby legend, JPR Williams is calling on householders to help Wales become a low carbon nation by making the change to wood fuel, a cleaner, greener and more efficient way of heating the home.
The former WRU and British Lions star, who has been using a wood burning stove to heat his home in the Vale of Glamorgan for the past nine years, is backing a new campaign by Woodfuel Wales, the Welsh Government funded body which represents all sectors of the Welsh wood fuel industry.
The campaign is encouraging people to use wood as a more carbon-friendly way of fuelling the home and follows reports released by the Welsh Government last year showing that Wales was almost half way towards reaching its 2015 target of reducing carbon emissions by 40%.
The call by JPR Williams comes as Wales gears up for the start of the much anticipated Six Nations tournament next month. The former captain is appealing for people to focus on supporting the nation's future as well as its team: “Wales is a passionate nation and when we get behind something we have the power to make great things happen”.
“If the Welsh nation could use even a quarter of the support it gives our national rugby team and put it towards protecting its environmental future then we would be well on our way to preserving our beautiful country for generations to come.
“I have used wood fuel to heat my entire home for many years now and I know that our heating supply comes from a reliable source. We buy our logs from a company based just six miles away helping to keep our carbon footprint low while also supporting a local industry and jobs.
“Wood fuel works for us and we feel like we're doing our bit for the environment. I hope my showing of support can help make people sit up and realise how wood fuel can help make a real difference to Wales long into the future.”
According to Woodfuel Wales, using wood as a form of fuel is one of the best ways people can reduce their carbon footprint and help slow down the effect of climate change, as Nic Snell, Chair of Woodfuel Wales, explains: “The greenhouse gases we all produce through our day-to-day activities including the way we heat our homes are all factors contributing to climate change.
“Wood is a carbon neutral fuel that is greener and more sustainable than any other form of non-renewable fuel. It can offer savings in terms of energy efficiency and we have a plentiful, sustainable resource here in Wales.”
Woodfuel Wales also claims more people are realising the benefits of switching to wood, as official member statistics released by The Stove Industry Alliance in autumn 2011 showed a 32% growth (year on year) in the sales of wood burning stoves (October 2010-2011).
Nic Snell continued: “As prices for oil and gas have risen in the past year, we and our members are seeing that wood fuel is being viewed as a more viable option than ever. Over the next decade, we can expect demand for wood fuel to grow as fossil fuels deplete, making people realise that Welsh forestry provides one of the best renewable energy resource in Wales.”
Date added: 2012-01-31
From the Guardian
A report from Plantlife argues that managing neglected English woodlands to produce wood fuel could boost declining species of flowers
the report has revealed that one in six woodland flower species is threatened with extinction, with plants hit by the "perfect storm" of under-managed woods, increasing deer populations and too many nutrients in the environment.
Date added: 2012-01-16Full story
Decisions made behind closed doors by the Welsh Government now could changernthe way the countryside of Wales is managed forever – without consulting the peoplernof Wales.
WG wants to set up a Single Environmental Body to look after the landscape by bringing together Countryside Council for Wales, Environment Agency Wales and Forestry Commission Wales.
Already civil servants have drawn up plans for a 'Shadow Body' - and what somernbelieve is a flawed business case for various different options to be considered byrnAssembly Members next week.
Date added: 2011-11-29Full story
Phase 1 of the RHI scheme is now open for applications. Please go to OFGEM's how to apply and accreditation page for further information about how to get involved with the scheme
click here The Ofgem E-Serve Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) accreditation enquiry line is now open. OFGEM's RHI team can be contacted on 0845 200 2122. Their helpline opening hours are 8:30am until 5pm Monday to Thursday, and 8:30am until 4:30pm on Fridays.
Date added: 2011-11-28Full story
TRADA - Nov 17 2011
TRADA has revised its Construction Briefing for members Wood as a biomass fuel -The main issues to consider which highlights that wood still compares favourably with other major forms of fuel. The market is not stable, as evidenced by the rapid fluctuations and rises in the price of oil and gas over the last three years. Wood fuel has a better track record than oil and gas and this is likely to continue to be the case.
Date added: 2011-11-28Full story
News Archive: 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006
