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April 1, 2008
South West England secures £3 million for bioheat

The South West of England Regional Development Agency (RDA) has been awarded £3 million to invest in a range of bioheat projects, putting the region at the forefront of this emerging renewable energy sector.

The investment, from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), is a direct result of the South West Bioheat Programme, which was launched last year with £650,000 funding from the RDA and £10,000 from the Forestry Commission.

Run by the South West’s own renewable energy agency, Regen SW, the programme has been identifying and providing support to potential bioheat projects in the region, as well as setting up a supply chain to provide wood fuel and offering training courses relevant to the industry.

The South West Bioheat Programme has identified 30 potential projects for funding and Defra is releasing £3 million from its Bio-energy Capital Grants Scheme to help make them a reality.
Together the projects could provide up to 32MW of renewable heat, saving an estimated 7,000 tonnes of carbon a year by replacing oil fired heating systems with wood-fuelled systems. Locations include council offices, creameries and plant nurseries.
Jonny Boston, Energy Manager for the South West RDA, said: “This is a tremendous result for the region and represents a massive advancement in biomass technology in the South West. Developing alternative sources of energy both for electricity and for heating, of which bioheat is a key component, is vital in tackling climate change and promoting a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy.

“That’s why the RDA has been investing in the development of new renewable energy technologies including wave, tidal and biomass. Our initial investment in the South West Bioheat Programme put the region in pole positon to attract this government funding, and we’re delighted that ministers have recognised that with today’s announcement.”

Matthew Spencer, chief executive of Regen SW, which is core-funded by the South West RDA, said: “Wood heating is coming of age, and we now have a range of bioheat projects that are, quite literally, oven-ready for investment. Defra’s funding will allow some of the region’s biggest heat users to make the switch from oil and gas to wood heating.”

Defra’s Bio-energy Capital Grants Scheme was set up to support the installation of biomass-fuelled heat and combined heat and power projects in the industrial, commercial and community sectors.

Among the 30 projects that Regen SW has identified for potential bioheat plants are the Met Office in Exeter and Dairy Crest’s creamery at Davidstow in North Cornwall.

Ends

Notes to editors

1. The South West RDA leads the development of a sustainable economy, investing to unlock the region's business potential. It works in partnership with public and private sector organisations and takes a long term view. It aims to drive up the region's productivity by giving people the skills they need, encouraging enterprise, improving infrastructure, regenerating places and promoting the strengths of the region. For more information see www.southwestrda.org.uk
2. Biomass is the name given to organic material that is burned to produce heat and / or electricity. As long as this material is sourced sustainably the process is carbon neutral, making biomass an important form of renewable energy. The projects to be supported by this programme are predominantly wood-fuelled bioheat – ie biomass heating projects using wood as a fuel.
3. The core investment for the South West Bioheat Programme has come from the South West RDA as part of its strategy to support the development of renewable energy demonstration projects in the region, in particular wave, tidal, biomass, offshore wind and microgeneration.
4. The South West Bioheat Programme is being funded by a £650,000 investment from the South West RDA and £10,000 from the Forestry Commission. The programme aims to stimulate the bioheat industry in the South West through increasing the number of systems on the ground, supporting fuel suppliers and providing recognised training programmes across the region. For further information contact Anna Halcro-Johnston on 01392 494399 or visit www.regensw.co.uk/bioheat.
5. Regen SW, which receives its core funding from the South West RDA, is the renewable energy agency for South West England.

South West England Biomass Facts:

1. South West England currently has some 10MW of biomass heat installed. These figures will be revised when Regen SW releases its Annual Survey of Renewable Energy Projects in April 2008.
2. The region has the highest number of biomass boilers in England and has the second largest amount of woodland resources after the South East.
3. There are 30 South West biomass focused businesses working on projects from anaerobic digestion through to woodfuel (including the UK’s two largest woodfuel technology installers).

For more information contact:

Jason Clark
Deborah Clark & Associates
01208-77900
07980-834368
jason@dca-pr.co.uk