Grants for producers of biomass boiler fuel

10/06/2008

The supply of fuel for use in biomass boilers could increase as the government announces grants in support of the renewable energy resource.

Under the Bio-energy Infrastructure Scheme, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) will provide grants of up to £200,000 to farmers and producers of renewable energy biomass fuel.

Phil Woolas, environment minister, commented: "UK producers are setting the standard and have shown production can be sustainable and our investment will support their commitment to this emerging industry."

At the moment, biomass fulfils 3.4 per cent of the UK's electricity needs and 0.6 per cent of heat requirements, but Defra estimates up to six per cent of both electricity and heat needs could come from the renewable energy source.

Biomass is considered renewable energy because the carbon dioxide it absorbs while growing offsets that released when it is burnt.

The Climate Change Bill sets a framework for the UK to reduce its environmental impact, including a target of a 60 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2050.