Torrefaction - Read all about the next big thing
Torrefaction is a controlled heating process, in the absence of oxygen, which converts cellulosic biomass, like wood chips or agricultural material, into a cost-effective coal substitute; or a material, which makes stronger, more energy dense and water repellant energy pellets
Date added: 2010-03-08Full story
£7.8 million grant scheme to turn Wales into renewable energy powerhouse
Plans to turn Wales into a renewable energy powerhouse were boosted today [Thursday, 25 February] when the Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones, unveiled a multi-million pound grant scheme designed to place the nation at the forefront of Britain's wood energy industry.
Date added: 2010-02-26Full story
Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) - Good News!
On March 10, a senior official from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) will be at the Centre for alternative Energy (CAT) for a consultation and discussion session on the proposed Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).
As you may be aware, the RHI scheme has the potential to fundamentally change the economics of renewable heat technologies. The current proposal would offer very attractive incentives for renewable heat technologies such as biomass boilers, heat pumps or solar water heating systems.
For example, a typical UK household which replaces a gas boiler with a wood pellet system would receive incentive payments of more than £1,000 every year, for 15 years. At the currently proposed levels of support, this scheme could give a very significant boost to the use of wood as a fuel in Wales.
The RHI consultation event will be an opportunity to learn about the RHI scheme, to exchange views with other professionals in this field, and to contribute to the consultation process.
The event will run from 13:30 to 16:00, is free of charge and open to everyone. The aim is to attract a range of participants, from installers and manufacturers to planners, architects and householders who might consider renewable heat solutions.
Date added: 2010-02-24Full story
Welcome to Jos - our newly appointed Development Officer
We would like to extend a warm welcome to Jos Williams newly appointed development officer for the organisation. Jos a Welsh speaker, originally hails from the Lleyn peninsula in North Wales but has been a resident of Cardiff for some years now.
He comes to us well recommended by the CLA ( Country Land & Business Association ) where he looked after Glamorgan and Monmouthshire for several years, dealing with both existing members concerns and recruiting new members.
He was instrumental in developing a new membership base for PMR Ltd (The machinery ring for South and West Wales). Ring activities were confined to West Wales for many years but now the Glamorgan and Monmouth areas are fully functional within the co-operative which extends throughout South Wales and has its own LANTRA licensed training facility.
He has experience of lobbying and is well located to fulfil that function and he also has contacts that can help him facilitate that role.
A strong communicator, we feel that Jos has the right attributes to take the organisation forward, represent the views of its members, as well as the skills to attract and recruit new members.
Date added: 2010-02-19Full story
Wood fuel production and supply chain course
3 day Lantra certified woodfuel supply chain course provides knowledge and skills in the fundamentals of wood fuel production and supply. It is suitable for anyone interested in becoming a woodfuel supplier or getting a better knowledge of processing technologies, biomass boiler systems and markets. For full course content click here.
Date added: 2010-02-15Full story
WEBS 2 Re-Launched!
A multi-million pound grant scheme was launched today (Friday, June 5) to keep Wales at the forefront of a clean energy industry based on wood fuel.
The Wood Energy Business Scheme 2 (WEBS 2) will provide £7.5 million of European funding over the next four years to help small and medium sized Welsh businesses to install woodfuel heating and Combined Heat and Power (CHP) technologies.
WEBS 2 will be managed by Forestry Commission Wales and builds on the success of the first £5.5m WEBS scheme, which represented the start of a new era of renewable energy in Wales when it was launched five years ago. European funding is provided through the Welsh European Funding office (WEFO).
WEBS 2 was announced by Programme Manager Mike Pitcher at the Greener Homes exhibition in Builth Wells.
He said the main objective of WEBS 2 was that, by the end of the four-year programme, the wood heat and energy sector in Wales would have developed into a "mature market" supported by both an established wood fuel supply chain and boiler installation and maintenance businesses.
"The current state of the commercial wood heat market and our knowledge of small-scale CHP in Wales is very much based upon the capacity developed under the earlier WEBS project. WEBS 2 will build on that success and will re-affirm the Welsh Assembly Government's position as a world leader in sustainable development," said Mike.
He said the scheme was aligned to the Wales Energy Route Map and Bioenergy Action Plan, which set out the Assembly's renewable energy commitments.
It also supported the aims of the Assembly's recently-launched strategy for woodlands and trees, Woodlands for Wales, which sets out the important role our woods can play in reducing our carbon footprint and combatting the effects of climate change.
WEBS 2 will help small and medium sized businesses to:
o Invest in clean, renewable wood fuel heating and CHP technology,
o Develop high quality equipment and fuel supply chains,
o Build skills and experience in installing and maintaining wood fuel heat and power technology, and
o Develop new products e.g. new heating boilers or energy supply services.
The first WEBS scheme, which was also run by FC Wales, was hailed as an important step towards establishing a renewable energy industry based on wood that would have far-reaching benefits for the Welsh rural economy and for the country as a whole.
Mike said, "WEBS laid down a clear marker for the Assembly's commitment to renewable energy and WEBS 2 will help to maintain Wales's place at the forefront of clean energy initiatives in the UK."
For more information on WEBS 2, contact the WEBS team on 0300 068 0300
Date added: 2009-06-09Full story
European Bioenergy Expo & Conference: 8 - 10 October
The National Energy Foundation (NEF) is supporting the European Bioenergy Expo & Conference (EBEC) to be held on 08, 09 and 10 October at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.
This event is a unique showcase for all Bioenergy markets and in particular the wood energy & pellet industries and is an ideal place to review the developments taking place within this fast growing industry.
NEF will be managing the dedicated wood technology workshop sessions and also working alongside the REA to ensure that the Biomass conference stream covers the emerging wood energy market.
Study tours are also planned for the 08 and 09 October to a local wood-powered CHP facility.
The dedicated workshop area within the exhibition hall is the ideal place to showcase your company to the 10,000 visitors expected over three days. Workshop space is allocated on a first come first served basis for exhibitors at the show.
This year, the EBEC will also be held on a Saturday (10th). This has been planned specifically to cater for the general public, due to the overwhelming increased interest in the adoption of wood energy to reduce energy costs and carbon footprints.
They welcome all wood fuel companies either as delegates, exhibitors or visitors. Stand sales have just started.
For further information on this year's exciting event, go to www.ebec.co.uk or to get information on exhibition stand sales, contact sales@biofuelsmedia.com
Date added: 2009-06-09Full story
European Bioenergy Expo & Conference (EBEC) 8-10 October
Biofuels Media are pleased to announce a new venue for the European Bioenergy Expo & Conference (EBEC), which will take place on the 8th, 9th 10th of October 2009.
Up to 10,000 visitors are expected over the 3 Expo days. October 10th is a Saturday which will give access to trade visitors who cannot attend during the week and also to the general public who have a growing interest in Bioenergy.
The show is moving to Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire after 3 successful years at the Newark Showground.
Also new for 2009 is a partnership with the Renewable Energy Association (REA) who will be bringing their annual Bioenergy Conference into the event. The REA will be organising a wide-ranging 2 or 3 stream Bioenergy Conference over 2 days (8th & 9th October 2009).
The primary focus of the show is Biodiesel, Biogas, Wood Energy and Fuel from Waste.
Exhibition Stand sales will start in March 2009.
For more information, follow the link to the full story.
Date added: 2009-04-30Full story
Renewable Energy Route Map for Wales
The Renewable Energy Route Map (RERM) set out proposals for moving Wales towards
self-sufficiency in renewable electricity in a generation whilst at the same time driving very forcefully towards much more energy efficiency and much more of our extensive heating requirements being supplied from renewable sources.
Follow the link below to access the .pdf.
Date added: 2009-04-09Full story
WoodFuel Wales Meeting - 8th April
The next WoodFuel Wales meeting will be held 11 am the 8th April at the Wesley Methodist Church, Garth Road, Builth Wells LD2 3AR.
If you would like to attend, please contact the office!
Date added: 2009-04-03Full story
Woodlands for Wales Strategy
Woodlands for Wales, the revised Welsh Assembly Government's strategy for woodlands and trees was launched on 27th March 2009, and has been published on the Welsh Assembly Government and Forestry Commission Wales' websites.
Follow the link below to view the strategy.
Date added: 2009-04-02Full story
Bioenergy Action Plan for Wales
The consultation on a Bioenergy Action Plan for Wales was launched on 24 February 2009.
They are seeking a consensus across a wide range of public, community, business and government interests to ensure the Action Plan is effective. They would, therefore welcome your views on the consultation document and any additional suggestions on how to maximise the benefits of bioenergy for Wales.
Please follow the link below for more information.
Date added: 2009-03-13Full story
New Member - ESA Fuelwoods
ESA Fuelwoods is one of South Wales largest suppliers of dry seasoned firewood, suitable for woodburning stoves and open fires. Their wood is available year round and can be delivered to most areas in South and West Wales.
For more information, please contact them:
Penllyn Estate Farm
Cowbridge
Vale of Glamorgan CF71 7FF
Tel: 01446 774000
info@fuelwoods.co.uk
Date added: 2009-01-12Full story
Ignition 09 - The Sage Gateshead, 11th and 12th March 09
Ignition09 is a unique opportunity for visitors and exhibitors alike to meet other people involved in the wood fuel sector with the event showcasing installers, consultants and suppliers from across the UK and Europe in the prestigious surroundings of the Sage Gateshead. Register before the event and you'll also get access to a great programme of free workshops and fieldtrips.
Industry professionals really can't afford to miss this exciting new event. After all, this is the only expo in the UK where every single visitor and exhibitor will be actively looking to do business on wood fuel. Our ambitious marketing strategy is focused on attracting the people that matter - people that make decisions on heating. This is your opportunity to make new business contacts with people who may be completely new to this relatively young market.
For more information, follow the link below.
Date added: 2008-10-14Full story
Ignite - Woodfuel Supply Chain Training
The dates and locations of the next Ignite training courses are as follows:
2-4 September 2008
Brecon Beacons, Libanus
29-31 October 2008
Snowdonia, Abergynolwyn
For more info, please call 0845 226 2890 or email: ignite@ruraldevelopment.org.uk
Date added: 2008-08-18Full story
European Biofuels Expo and Conference - 15 -16 Oct
Recently Biofuels have dominated the press for the wrong reasons. At our October Biofuels conference we will focus on the 'good' biofuels and how to address some of the challenges facing the industry.
Over the two days we will cover the full story from production through to implementation including how the motor industry is adapting their technologies to use biofuels.
In combination with our new Bio-Technology showcase, we will be presenting the latest developments in production, processes and feedstocks.
With the increasing focus on reducing the carbon footprint of new housing and the rise in fuel prices, we will be looking at the biofuel opportunities within the home heating market.
The biodiesel industry is facing some challenges, which will be covered during the conference and we will look at some of the financial aspects including investment criteria, growing a profitable biodiesel business and related taxation issues.
Working with the National Energy Foundation (NEF), we have created a dedicated conference on Thursday 16th October focusing on Wood Energy. This will include mobile pellet production, matching the fuel to the boiler and the European Experience of this rapidly developing market.
In addition, on Wednesday 15th October, we will have a dedicated conference on Biogas /Anaerobic Digestion. This stream will cover all aspects of planning and implementing a Biogas facility, the financial payback and carbon savings.
Date added: 2008-08-11Full story
Wood Fuel Information Day - Brecon
A free one day course 'Introduction to Modern Wood Fuel Technologies' is to be held at Penpont Estate, Brecon, Powys, LD3 8EU on Wednesday 14th May 2008.
The course is aimed at members of the public, information providers and others working with community groups, businesses and individuals. It assumes limited previous knowledge of woodfuels, and will provide an overview of the fuels and technologies available, with a visit to the wood chip boiler at Penpont. The course is free to those working or living in Powys, though places are limited.
The course is being provided through Wood Fuel Powys, a project funded by Glasu, the Leader + programme for Powys.
For more information, please contact Sue Thompson or Laura Shewring, Energy and Waste Project Officers, Glasu on 01982 552224.
susannat@powys.gov.uk, laura.shewring@powys.gov.uk.
Date added: 2008-05-01Full story
Steam Gondola in Lake District Uses Blazer Logs
The National Trust's gondola has converted from coal to wood fuel to power it's famous gondola. Please see the link below for the article in the North West Evening Mail
Date added: 2008-04-16Full story
Woodfuel Supply Chain Conference - Warwick University
BEC/IEA Bioenergy Task 31 (+ Tasks 38 & 40) International Conference and Workshop that is taking place from 15th to 19th September 2008 at Warwick University, culminating with an industry day at APF 2008. The title is: Woodfuel Supply Chain - Sharing experience.
In brief, the first two days are field trips, the next two are the conference proper, and the last one, on the Friday, is the industry day held in a marquee at APF 2008, with morning and afternoon Q&A sessions with a panel for each, on the theme of the woodfuel supply chain in the morning, and woodfuel quality and standards in the afternoon.
Date added: 2008-04-03Full story
Woodfuel in the News
WOODFUEL - EAST MIDLANDS - WOODFUEL PROJECT Smiths Gore has been appointed by the Forestry Commission to its East Midlands Pathfinder Mapping project, which aims to help set the strategy for woodfuel as an environmentally friendly alternative in the region. Smiths Gore will contact a selection of woodland owners, contractors, woodfuel supply firms and woodfuel users within the East Midlands to assess current activity and identify the barriers and opportunities to the development of wood as a future fuel. The project is being funded by the Forestry Commission and the East Midlands Development Agency. It is also supported by the National Farmers' Union, Country Land and Business Association, and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. - RFS - E-news - 22/2/2008
Date added: 2008-02-25Full story
Woodfuel Supply Chain Training
Ignite is an innovative training programme of practical seminars and interactive workshops with a focus on woodfuel. Ignite is designed for those wanting to know more about woodfuel and equip new and exciting wood fuel businesses with the skills and knowledge required to meet the increasing demands from this growing alternative market.
Date added: 2008-02-21Full story
CAT gets biomass generator for heat and power
Wednesday 12th December, 2007: Engineers at the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) are busy installing a new woodchip-powered generator, which will be more than 80% efficient when running at full power.
The woodchip-powered combined heat and power plant (CHP) will generate up to 100kW of electricity, enough to meet the instantaneous power demands of 40-60 households, and up to 250kW of heat. The unit will be run to match the CAT site's power and heating requirements as closely as possible
In traditional power generation, the heat is wasted, released into the atmosphere via cooling systems. With a CHP system, that energy is used to heat water, which is then used for hot water supply, or for heating buildings through radiators or under floor heating.
CAT is growing rapidly – next year the £6.2million Wales Institute for Sustainable Education (WISE) will open at CAT, to cater for the rapidly growing numbers of students and professionals studying courses at the eco-centre.
With more buildings and people on the site, the demand for energy is also increasing. Engineers have been busy laying thick, highly insulated pipes under the CAT site to take the heat to the different buildings, extending the existing heat main system on site.
The new Talbotts BG100 CHP unit uses a hot air turbine spinning at 56,000rpm, which operates in a similar way to a jet engine. Woodchip is burnt in the combustion chamber to heat air. This hot air passes through an air-to-air heat exchanger to heat more air which drives the turbine. The primary hot air carries on to a further air-to-water heat exchanger in which the water is heated and then piped around the site. The whole unit is the size of a pair of stacked shipping containers.
“This will be the first small-scale woodchip CHP system in Britain where both the electricity and heat are used,” CAT Engineer Katie Brown said. ”The woodchip is forestry waste from trees four miles up the road, so there are very few emissions caused by transporting the fuel. The scheme supports a local business. We intend to do extensive monitoring of the system which will produce very interesting data that other sites can use in the future.”
Wood is considered to be a carbon neutral fuel because the CO2 that the wood releases as it is burnt is equivalent to the CO2 the tree absorbs as it grows. Furthermore, if the trees come from sustainably managed forests where new trees are planted as mature ones are felled, then the fuel is renewable.
Energy efficiency has been considered when planning the large building to house the new CHP. The walls are made from Ibstock Ecoterre clay blocks, which are not fired but dried using waste heat from a brick kiln – using a lot less energy than conventional cement blocks. The high density of these blocks make them ideal for sound attenuation, a very important consideration in this building as the turbine is quite loud – we have designed the building so that it will be inaudible outside.
This is the first building in the UK to use these blocks – another interesting trial for CAT's researchers and students.
Date added: 2007-12-14Full story
Clifford Jones Press Release - Pellet Boiler
A North Wales company which is the UK's largest machine round timber manufacturer is expanding its operations and creating 15 new jobs with the support of the Welsh Assembly Government.
Clifford Jones Timber Ltd, which is based in Brickfield Lane, Ruthin, is investing £2.5m in a new 20,000 sq ft facility to produce environmentally friendly wood pellets for domestic and commercial heating systems.
The new facility, which is being supported by an Assembly Investment Grant, will be an entirely sustainable operation using a wet wood burner that uses bark and timber co-products to dry the timber before compressing it into pellets.
Ieuan Wyn Jones, Minister for the Economy and Transport, said the investment would provide a new sustainable renewable energy source and create new jobs which were particularly important in the rural economy.
“The Assembly Government is committed to supporting businesses throughout Wales and delighted to support this family run business expand and open what will be the first facility in the UK making wood pellet from virgin timber.”
The family owned business, which was established in 1948, employs 42 people at its base in Ruthin and has another operation in Scotland which employs 25 and serves the north of England.
Clifford Jones Timber Ltd, is the UK's largest manufacturer of round timber products, suitable for use within the agricultural, construction, landscaping and play industries.
Managing Director Alan Jones said the new operation would bring added value to the business, as previously our timber co-products would have been sold for chipboard manufacture.
He said they anticipated producing up to 30,000 tons of wood pellets a year to meet the growing demand for renewable energy sources.
“There is a massive demand for wood pellets in Europe and Ireland where grants are available, and Governments have actively encouraged people to switch from oil, coal or gas to wood burning systems, providing a future opportunity for us to further expand our export division, to incorporate these areas”.
Clifford Jones Timber already supplies the UK, German and Swiss markets with wood briquettes. They are designed for wood burning stoves and open fires and have a high calorific value, burning hotter and longer than most seasoned timbers.
For further information contact.
Paul Clarke Sales & Marketing
Clifford Jones Timber Ltd,
Brickfield Lane
Ruthin
Denbighshire
LL15-2TN
Tel 01824-702157
Fax 01824-702158
Mob 07809-370772
paul.clarke@cjtimber.com
Date added: 2007-12-03Full story
Neath Port Talbot Gets Biomass Plant
The largest biomass powerplant has been approved for Newport. Please follow the link below for the full story
Date added: 2007-11-21Full story
Free Introduction to Modern Woodfuel Technologies 30th January 08
Do you live or work in Powys? Wood Fuel Powys is organising a free one-day training course on modern woodfuel technologies, looking at stoves and boilers: logs, chips and pellets; storage requirements for different fuels; capital and running costs. The course will be held at Cwm Biga Farm, which has a working log boiler and solar array, on Wednesday 30th January 08. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Wood Fuel Powys is funded by Glasu, the Leader + programme for Powys. For more information contact Jacinta MacDermot, Wood Fuel Powys info@tirglas.co.uk or 01654 703894
Date added: 2007-11-21Full story
Wood Fuel Powys Project
Good news! The Wood Fuel Powys project, which aims to promote and support wood fuels in Powys, has been extended to May 2008. The extra funding is being targeted at raising awareness of the potential of wood fuels amongst the public as well as the farming community, information providers and professionals in the building industry. The project also has some funding to give tailor-made advice to individual domestic properties or businesses. In the past Wood Fuel Powys has been able to offer training to building control officers in Powys, fund visits and training in Austria and Germany for Powys-based installers and provide information, support and advice to potential fuel and equipment suppliers and customers.
Wood Fuel Powys is funded by Glasu, the Leader + programme for Powys. For further information about Wood Fuel Powys contact the project co-ordinator, Jacinta Macdermot at info@tirglas.co.uk Further information about Glasu and the other projects that add value to local products can be found at www.glasu.org.uk
Date added: 2007-11-06Full story
Clifford Jones Announces New Wood Pellet Plant
Clifford Jones Timber Ltd of Ruthin, North Wales are pleased to announce that they have been granted permission to start building their new “Premium Wood Pellet Plant.”
We hope to be producing 6mm Premium Wood Pellets from our site in Ruthin. The pellets will be available in Loose, Bulk, Blown or Bagged, and we expect this to be around March. These Premium wood pellets will be available for both commercial and domestic sales.
The drying process for the wood pellets will be fuelled by using the bark of the logs, the timbers are then converted into a range of high performance products, thus leaving a co-product of shavings that will be processed to make the 6mm Premium Wood Pellets and the Blazer Fuel Logs
For further enquires please contact Paul Clarke 01824-702157 or email paul.clarke@cjtimber.com
Date added: 2007-09-07Full story
The Renewable Energy Centre
The Renewable Energy Centre is targeted at:
Homeowners who are interested in renewables and energy saving, commercial companies looking to improve cash flow and reduce their carbon footprint, and builders, developers and project managers looking for alternative technologies.
The website is the first of its kind to be launched in the UK and is set to lead the way as a primary source of information and reference for renewable energy.
Date added: 2007-05-14Full story
Attention System Installers
We believe the UK
Microgeneration Certification Scheme adds unnecessary and confused obstacles placing a high burden onto the trade and thereby on to the public . . . .
For more information reagarding this topic and to see the petition, please Read More.
Date added: 2007-04-30Full story
Centre for Alternative Technology Biomass Conference - 14-15 May 2007
The Centre for Alternative Technology is holding a Biomass Conference on 14th May 2007, with a day of site visits to fuel suppliers and biomass boilers on 15th May 2007, supported by Glasu (Leader +).
For more information and bookings, please click on the link below.
Date added: 2007-04-24Full story
Gondola Using Blazer Fuel Logs
The National Trust has just announced that the Gondola Steam Boat at Keswick in the Lake District is using Blazer Fuel Logs alongside its coal. By 2008, the boat will be using Blazer Fuel Logs for 100% of its fuel. After doing extensive tests on the lake it was determined that the emissions released into the environment had been reduced dramatically.
For more information about Blazer Fuel Logs, please visit www.welsh-timber.co.uk
Date added: 2007-04-24Full story
Biomass Trade Fair in Budapest
RENEXPO® Central and South-East Europe
April 19th to 21st 2007, Budapest
We are delighted to present the RENEXPO® Central and South-East Europe in Budapest, an International Trade Fair and Congress for renewable energy and energy efficient construction and renovation. The fair and conference take place from the 19th to the 21st of April in the HUNGEXPO BUDAPEST FAIR CENTER.
The trade fair offers an insight view in to the Hungarian and east-European market for renewable energy as well as the international markets. Over 80 exhibitors are expected to present their products and services at the Trade Fair, 70% of which will be international companies. Likewise we are expecting over 3,000 visitors for the Trade Fair and hoping to achieve at least 20% international visitors. Themes: bio energy, biogas, wood energy, decentralised energy systems, cogeneration, hydropower wind energy, photovoltaic, heat pumps, geothermal energy, passive house, energy efficiency Services: financing, consulting, emissions trading and climate protection projects, R & D, secondary formation, networking and marketing.
Date added: 2007-04-11Full story
Home Heating with Wood published by Center for Alternative Technology
Local author, Chris Laughton, celebrates the launch of his new book on 'Home Heating with Wood' at a recent launch event at the Old Corris railway station in Machynlleth. The timely arrival of this useful guide to keeping warm also gives support to local employment by making better use of mid-Wales woodlands and timber products.
“Many people don't realise that it's now quite possible to heat complete houses with good quality wood fuel and equipment – In fact I've done it myself !” quotes Chris Laughton. “ I hope this book will raise awareness that we can make Wales more independent of fuel supplies and reduce carbon dioxide emissions at the same time”
This book is part of a series published by the Centre for Alternative Technology Publications today launch a new set of carbon busting books for people who want to tackle global climate change at home. Each book has a practical project that saves energy, money and CO2 emissions: make your own solar water heating system, install a modern energy efficient wood burning stove, choose a solar water heating installer, or buy a wind turbine for your house.
Date added: 2007-02-09Full story
Renewable Fuel Conference - 8th February 2007
RENeWEABLE FUELS 2007
In the last two years as oil and gas prices have risen and awareness of the various climate change issues has become more widespread. Following the report of the Government's Biomass Task Force it has become clear that while there is already considerable excitement about the electricity and transport sectors, there has been less support in the renewable heat sector even though this part of the energy market is the biggest of the three and the potential is substantial. The major barrier to the development of the renewable heat sector has been the absence of a co-ordinated and complete supply chain. Understandably if a customer can not have a substantial degree of certainty that there is a continuing supply of the renewable fuel that will last for the lifetime of the investment, then there is a major disincentive to the development of the use of biomass as a heat source.
Countrywide Farmers plc is the UK leading farming & rural supplies business with a turnover of over £160 million, 11,000 farmer shareholders and 40,000 customers. Trading across the midlands, South Wales, south west & east and eastern counties, the business has three principal sectors agriculture, energy and retail. Countrywide Farmers has examined the various options for the provision of sustainable energy sources looking at the potential opportunities in terms of biomass but also wind, waves, tidal, ground source heat, hydro and solar.
Countrywide Farmers plc, together with its partners are hosting an event to examine a sustainable biomass supply chain and to outline a range of biomass supply chain services for households, communities and business. The purpose of the day is to provide a comprehensive overview of the biomass supply chain and outline opportunities available to those wishing to play a role in the sector.
RENEWABLE FUELS CONFERENCE on Thursday 8th Feb 2007.
At CWF Renewable Fuels 2007 you will gain an insight to many aspects of the biomass supply chain and how products and services are developing. The day will provide:
· An overview of CWF activities and services
· A detailed outline the biomass supply chain currently available to consumers and how you can play your role in it.
· An update of wood pelleting and wood fuels
· An update of miscanthus and other energy crop grasses
· An update on biomass boiler technology including maintenance
· An overview of market opportunities
· An update on liquid biofuels
· An update on funding and grants
· An update on working case studies
You will benefit from insights and analysis from top-level specialists from a broad range of organisations; the Keynote Address will be given by Sir Ben Gill, Chairman. Speakers include Advantage West Midlands, DEFFRA, Wood Energy, KoolFuel, Bioethnol and John Amos & Co.
Target Audience:
The event will provide valuable information for:
· Energy Users
· Community Groups
· Project developers
· Farmers
· Biomass Fuel Suppliers
· Technology Providers
· Energy Advice Providers
· Local Authorities
· Business and Industry
· Trade
Format:
A series of presentations shall be held throughout the day on the various aspects of the biomass supply chain including the growing of energy crops and wood fuel supply, fuel transportation and delivery, equipment supply and maintenance. A customer perspective will also be provided.
Project and Technology Showcase – There will be an opportunity for organisations to provide information and advice relating to their products and services in an exhibition area.
Information Stands – There will be an opportunity for organisations to have manned/unmanned stands located at strategic points throughout the venue.
Networking – Extensive opportunities to network with project and technology developers, funders, support organisations and investors will be available throughout the day.
Date and Venue:
Thursday 8th Feb 2007 at Worcester Rugby Club
Costs: £35 per ticket
If you are interested in attending the conference or in having exhibiting at the event, please forward all queries to the following contacts:
Rebecca Barningham
email:rbarningham@countrywidefarmers.co.uk Tel: 01993 890423
Date added: 2007-01-29Full story
Wood Energy Business Scheme Meeting
GREEN GRANTS TO SLASH ENERGY COSTS
As you are all too aware, fuel bills are soaring and set to increase further. This and new technology mean wood is now an attractive alternative to fossil fuels (it can be less than 2p per kWh). Modern systems can also be fully-automated and are carbon neutral: perfect for 'green' businesses.
And because wood is carbon-neutral, it qualifies for substantial grants such as the Forestry Commission's Wood Energy Business Scheme (WEBS) which meets up to 48.2% of capital costs within the Powys Objective 2 area. We would like to invite you find out more at the Media Resource Centre on 22nd February. This free evening event outlines WEBS and includes a short talk by Gavin Hogg who has installed an award-winning system to heat his Penpont holiday homes business. It includes a buffet meal and a visit to the wood boiler at the nearby Llandrindod Wells Leisure Centre.
The meeting starts at 5.15pm and attendance is on a first-come-first-served basis: to register, e-mail your contact details to tracey@churchercommunications.co.uk or phone 01982 551991. You can also learn more about wood-powered systems at www.woodenergybusiness.co.uk.
Tracey Churcher
Churcher Communications
Unit 8 Antur Gwy,
Park Road
Builth Wells,
Powys LD2 3BA
Tel: 01982 551991
Date added: 2007-01-25Full story
Woodfuel Conference
WOODFUEL CONFERENCE to be held on Tuesday, 17th April 2007 at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire. It is organised by:
Royal Agricultural Society of England, Royal Forestry Society, and the Forestry Commission. Please see the link below for more information.
Date added: 2007-01-23Full story
Irish Pellet Boilers now available in UK
Woodpecker wood pellet boilers from Gerkros, Ireland are now available in Wales through Derwas of Welshpool
Date added: 2006-07-26Full story
Private woodlands - the new hope for rural Europe?
Private woodland owners across Europe are having a tough time - without new markets to maximise their opportunities it is often simply not economic to manage and harvest their woodlands.
Date added: 2006-07-14Full story
Desert Presence for Welsh Solar Company Dulas
First Minister Rhodri Morgan has presented a solar powered medical refrigerator to His Excellency Khalifa Nasser Al Suweidi, Chairman of the United Arab Emirates headquarters of the humanitarian aid authority, The Red Crescent, based in Abu Dhabi.
Date added: 2006-07-14Full story
High-tech heating solution to cut small business energy bills
Business and industry across Wales could slash its energy bills by up to half and reduce its carbon footprint by more than 4.7 million tonnes by switching to new high-tech wood energy systems.
Date added: 2006-07-14Full story
Dinas - flagship biomass project
The new 550kw biomass system at the Ceredigion County Council headquarters - Pemorfa at Aberaeron - is a flagship project for the Welsh wood energy sector.
Date added: 2006-07-14Full story
Llanwddyn Launch
Official launch of Wales's first biomass district heating scheme
Date added: 2006-06-22Full story
