Biomass recognition pleases UK Renewable Energy Association

The Renewable Energy Association (REA) believes biomass could be key in helping the UK government meet its woodland priorities.

That idea comes after the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs' (DEFRA) Government Forestry and Woodlands policy statement, which states that effective management of country woodlands could boost the UK forestry industry.

Additional avenues for biomass could be open if people look at ‘how unmanaged broadleaved woodlands could supply significant quantities of fuel without interrupting supply chains’.

‘By sitting alongside other industries like construction and carpentry, bioenergy uses by-products that can find little other value - such as thinnings, off-cuts and residues. That provides an extra revenue stream which, coupled with robust sustainability criteria, helps landowners to invest in responsible forest management,’ says REA CEO Gaynor Hartnell, who adds that she was pleased with DEFRA’s acknowledgement of biomass’ potential.