Biomass sustainability criteria under discussion

New sustainability criteria, set down by DECC are being introduced to ensure a professional, consistent and guaranteed quality supply of wood fuel in the face of ever growing demand.

The meeting is being organised by Forestry Commission Scotland's Scottish Regional Woodfuel Forums, Confor's Woodfuel Group, assisted by Rural Development Initiatives Associates.

"The new criteria will help determine whether or not biomass installations are eligible for the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) - a guaranteed, index-linked payment over 20 years for the production of renewable heat from wood fuel," said David Norris, business development advisor for Forestry Commission Scotland.

"This meeting will be extremely useful for anyone involved it the supply and use of wood fuel in Scotland. It will look at the new sustainability criteria, wood fuel accreditation, types of evidence to demonstrate compliance, other key developments related to the RHI and much more. There will also be some very useful insight into the role of Confor's Woodfuel Group.

In order to be eligible under the new criteria, biomass installations will need to demonstrate that their wood fuel meets a 'greenhouse gas lifecycle emissions limit' target and land management standards.

To comply with the new standards (from spring 2015), domestic installations must source wood fuel from a Biomass Suppliers List (BSL) registered supplier. Non-domestic installations can either use a BSL registered supplier or report directly to Ofgem.

BSL registered suppliers must meet sustainability requirements and comply with legal requirements.

Lunch will be provided at the event and speakers will include representatives from Ofgem, DECC, Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, Confor, Woodsure and Angus Biofuels.

Places are limited and should be booked October 29, either by phoning or emailing Virginia Harden-Scott at Rural Development Initiatives on 07919 263 190 or at virginia.harden@ruraldevelopment.org.uk