The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology has been representing the biomass heat sector since 2001. The REA members forum for biomass heat is called the ‘Wood Heat Forum’. It was formerly the Wood Heat Association a wholly owned subsidiary of the REA, but in October 2020 became a Forum and formally part of the REA.
Biomass for heat is one of the most cost-effective forms of low carbon energy. The modern wood and biomass heating industry mainly uses processed fuel (such as wood pellet or wood chip) in highly efficient stoves and boilers, that typically deliver heat via water-based central heating or district heating system to a building or collection of buildings. Biomass can provide space heating, hot water, and high-grade heat for industrial processes.
Biomass is a renewable resource, which used responsibly, is sustainable as it grows back. Moreover, energy from biomass (bioenergy) is crucially important to limit global climate change through the displacement of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels add carbon into the live carbon cycle, whereas biomass is already a part of the live carbon cycle. So as long as forests are managed sustainably, biomass can deliver significant greenhouse gas savings.
About the REA Wood Heat Forum
The Wood Heat Forum brings together wood fuel suppliers, biomass boiler and stove manufacturers, installers and distributors, energy companies and developers. It also benefits from members of the wider REA.
Post the end of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) in March 2021, the WHF is working closely with BEIS to ensure a sustainable end of life scheme for the RHI, which includes the development of a Quality Fuel Standard to be introduced by the Biomass Suppliers List (BSL) and mandatory servicing from April 2022.
We are also lobbying to ensure the best use of biomass recognises that one of the most efficient uses of biomass is in the direct production of heat, with a conversion efficiency approaching 90%. Such efficiencies need to be recognised in future policy discussions concerning ‘best use’ of biomass and the REA shall be advocating for this to be recognised in the Government’s upcoming Biomass Strategy.
We support our members across the UK by providing newsletters, website, technical advice, updates on policy, as well as listening to and tackling their concerns, through national and local conferences and forums.
The Wood Heat Forum is governed by a steering committee
Terence McCracken – Innasol Ltd (Chair)
Alasdair Peppe – Dunster Biomass Heating (Scotland) Ltd
Bruno Berardelli – AMP Clean Energy
Amy Fielding – Environmental Compliance Solutions Limited
Julian Morgan-Jones – South East Wood Fuels Ltd
Mark Lebus – LC Energy
Michael Johnson – Talbotts Biomass Energy System
Mike Ingoldby – Bowland Bioenergy Ltd
Thomas Wilkins – NFU Energy
For information about joining the Wood Heat Forum please contact [email protected]
NEWS & PRESS RELEASES — Jul 05, 2024
REA welcomes the new Labour Government
BLOG — Jun 19, 2024
General Election Net Zero Myths – Debunked
NEWS & PRESS RELEASES — Jun 14, 2024
Winners announced for REA’s British Renewable Energy Awards 2024
CONSULTATION RESPONSES
Jul 12, 2024
REA Draft Response to Carbon Non-Pipeline Transport Call for Evidence
BRIEFINGS
Jul 10, 2024
Policy Briefing: Biogas and Biomethane
Policy Briefing providing an action plan to support green gases.
BRIEFINGS
Jul 9, 2024
Quality Protocol Revision
The Compost and Anaerobic Digestate Quality Protocols have been undergoing revision for some time. The revised documents are now called ‘Resource Frameworks’. Draft documents have been released for feedback from industry.