Region's Woodfuel Infrastructure gets a £10m Boost

20/07/2009

The region’s biomass ambition is a step closer thanks to the launch of Future Energy Yorkshire’s (FEY) new £5million Woodfuel Infrastructure Programme to assist woodfuel projects and includes a number of grant schemes for businesses in the biomass supply chain.

This follows on from, and complements, FEY’s involvement in developing England’s largest wood pellet mill at Pollington near Goole. The mill, built with an additional £5million investment by FEY, will produce 50,000 tonnes of wood pellet per annum, securing a source of low-carbon heating for up to 13,000 homes in Yorkshire and Humber.

FEY, which is funded by Yorkshire Forward, helps organisations switch to carbon-neutral biomass fuels. Biomass is a renewable resource because although carbon is released into the atmosphere by burning in modern efficient systems, carbon is absorbed by growing plants when these are replanted.

The new pellet mill will provide a reliable source of wood pellets, whilst the Woodfuel Infrastructure Programme will develop the biomass supply chain for all forms of woodfuels. 

Additionally, it will deliver a robust and sustainable industry through establishing an infrastructure and developing technologies for all forms of woodfuel utilisation, as well as supporting the development of markets for biomass fuels. 

Through the Woodfuel Infrastructure Programme,  FEY will encourage the sustainable management of woodland, increase the amount of woodfuel available and further develop the market for all forms of woodfuel, thereby improving consumer confidence in fuel availability. 

The programme will also develop domestic biomass boilers through research with the region’s universities and manufacturing sector and promote commercial biomass boilers to Yorkshire and Humber’s businesses.

The Boiler Conversion Fund supports the conversion of fossil fuel-fired boilers so they can burn woodfuel. The Infrastructure Grants support a wide range of specialist woodfuel and infrastructure equipment such as storage and drying facilities and machinery such as chippers and shredders. These will help to develop robust local supply chains and assist businesses in getting involved as suppliers of woodfuel.  There is also assistance available for procuring woodfuel in advance of need and the project aims to deliver a robust trading environment to provide clarity in the market place for pricing.   For more information on the grants please visit www.fey.org.uk.

Joanne Pollard, Managing Director of the Sustainable Futures Company said: “The launch of the Woodfuel Infrastructure programme offers a great opportunity for the biomass sector in this region, helping to reduce our fossil fuel consumption and encourage economic development.  The programme aims to deliver a reduction in Greenhouse Gas emissions across the region of around 180,000 tonnes, equivalent to taking more than 11,000 cars of the road”.

Jim Farmery, Assistant Director of Business for Yorkshire forward adds: “The WIP Programme demonstrates our commitment to creating an infrastructure for a low carbon future, not just for the sake of our environment, but also the prosperity of the region long term. “

The Woodfuel Infrastructure Programme will be delivered by FEY in conjunction with regional organisations including Yorwoods, South Yorkshire Forest Partnership, The White Rose Forest Partnership and the Forestry Commission.

Notes to editors:

Future Energy Yorkshire (FEY) is a business unit within the Yorkshire and Humber Sustainable Futures Company (SFCo). SFCo is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee and wholly owned by Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency for the Yorkshire and Humber.

FEY establishes commercial partnerships with private and public sector organisations to fill knowledge gaps, bridge market failures and bring to fruition energy projects that will deliver significant greenhouse gas savings and economic benefits to the region.

Yorkshire Forward’s investment across the region is maximised by attracting European Regional Development Funding from the Objective One and Two programmes. 
 

Yorkshire Forward

Yorkshire Forward is the Regional Development Agency behind the economic regeneration of Yorkshire and Humber. It aims to make a positive difference by investing in jobs, improving towns and cities, and in supporting businesses throughout the region.
For further information, images or to arrange an interview, please contact Laura Scholey, Press Manager on 0113 3949540 or email laura.scholey@yorkshire-forward.com