Biomass Heat Works! is the voice of the UK’s wood pellet (for heat) industry delivering a clear message to Government; to create a tailored, fit-for-purpose heat decarbonisation policy specifically for rural off-grid properties that better (and fully) supports wood pellets as the most suitable heating solution.
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(There is a general misconception that the biomass for heat sector is the same as or aligned to the larger power markets which feed into the utility industries - eg power stations. They are two different industries. Biomass for heating is a niche, UK-driven market with positive, localised benefits allowing homeowners and businesses, often in rural or more remote and challenging off-grid locations, to switch to low carbon heating instead of using fossil fuels- eg oil, LPG, coal.) For more information, please see the 'What we do’ article in our blog/news section.
What we’re asking of Government…
A targeted, rural heat decarbonisation policy that fully supports more remote, rural off-grid properties and brings all elements together: ie net zero objectives, low carbon energy solutions provided by local businesses, sustainable forestry management, domestic UK wood pellet manufacturing and heightened energy security.
A technology-agnostic approach to heat decarbonisation policy that values biomass as a key element of the renewable energy mix, allowing technologies to be chosen based on suitability (ie depending on the age of building, type of property, retrofit requirements and access to the grid). At present, the electrification of heat policy is very urban-focused with a bias towards heat pumps.
A workable and fit-for-purpose grant allocation in line with average installation costs to help consumers switch. Anything less will have a negative impact and will be a barrier to change, stalling new projects and investments, and putting the industry and transition to net zero at risk.
Whilst a grant of £5,000 is currently available for biomass installations under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, the above ‘asks’ will also enable UK homes and businesses located in rural off-grid areas to continue converting their old heating systems to low carbon biomass from fossil fuel. This could include agricultural food producers, supermarkets, hospitals and care homes, leisure resorts and local public buildings.
There is a threat that up to 46,000 bioenergy jobs and specialist skills could be lost at a time when employment is most needed. This includes local SMEs in more rural locations that also support sustainable forestry and land management as part of a very successful and well managed circular economy.
Some of our supporters
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