Biomass
Northumberland National Park Authority is keen to encourage biomass-heating systems as it offers both environmental and economic benefits.
Kielder Biomass Project
Biomass is a growing sector and offers significant potential for locally sourced heat generation in the area. Biomass has an advantage over intermittent renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, as biomass can be stored and power generated when required. This makes it one of the most viable and reliable micro-renewable technologies.
However, unlike other sources of renewable energy, biomass typically requires ongoing payments to be made for the fuel. Biomass is most effective when a local fuel source is used, thus reducing transport impacts ensuring that the carbon benefits from using biomass are not lessened by emissions created when transporting it, and also reducing the financial costs associated with transporting the fuel. Using a local source also results in local investment and employment. Bio-energy also has the potential to create and sustain jobs in rural areas.
Wood fuel is an environmentally sound renewable energy source. It is the principal natural resource for biomass in and around Northumberland National Park, and it exists in abundance.
For instance, Kielder Forest and the large privately managed woodland areas offer huge potential. Development of the industry would bring un-managed and under managed woodlands and plantations into more efficient use. Compared to fossil fuel heating systems, biomass can reduce carbon emissions by more than 90 percent. Wood fuel has the lowest carbon impact of all the existing renewable energy technologies.
Much of the work in the development of wood fuel in the North East Region has been carried out by Northwoods through their 'ignite' training programme and through Newfuels, the wood fuel producer group established to provide vital supply chain advice.
However, there is still work to be done, especially in promoting awareness of opportunities to supply to potential consumers. This may include working with communities, businesses and construction professionals; providing funding assistance for feasibility studies to support demand and consumption development; addressing localised issues of fuel poverty; providing assistance for demand implementation (e.g. funding the installation of biomass boilers); and further investigating community-heating schemes.
The Northumberland Uplands LEADER Local Development Strategy indicated an opportunity to grow the wood fuel sector locally. A pilot project has been supported that will look to unlock the economic potential of un-managed woodland and support small operators in the wood fuel sector across the Leader area.
A number of complementary activities will take place, including direct technical training, one-to-one mentoring and a study tour to see wood fuel processing techniques in action. The project will be independently evaluated in order to share lessons across the country.
Other regions have already expressed an interest in learning from the delivery of this project and the applicant will actively pursue these opportunities. NULogs supports existing and new firewood suppliers by providing them with technical assistance on harvesting, storing, processing and delivery; and also provides strong networking and marketing opportunities, as well as helping educate the public and woodland owners on the benefits of well-managed, productive local woodlands. A local brand is under development, and Northwoods (the Woodland Initiative of the North East) is working on providing an online map of suppliers of firewood and heating equipment.
Biomass Fact Sheet from the Energy Saving Trust (PDF - 100KB)
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