Business owners can find out about the incentives and funding available for woodfuelled heating systems, small-scale electricity generation and woodfuel supply at a series of free events in May.
The Wood Energy – Fuel for Thought seminars in Denbighshire, Conwy, Carmarthenshire, Merthyr Tydfil and Monmouthshire have been organised by Forestry Commission Wales’s EU-funded Wood Energy Business Scheme (WEBS).
The seminars will give owners of small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) and community groups an insight into the technologies that use wood to provide renewable heating and generate electricity, along with information on the funding available from Forestry Commission Wales.
Experts from Wales’s developing biomass marketplace will share their knowledge and experience with delegates at the seminars.
Businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint through the use of a clean, sustainable local fuel will find the biomass heating options of particular interest.
Woodland owners and firms involved in wood processing can learn about the cost-saving options of using wood off-cuts to fuel their own premises or supply others with fuel.
The events run from 5pm-7pm and will include a tour of a working, woodfuelled heating system and plenty of opportunities to network.
Mike Pitcher, WEBS Manager, Forestry Commission Wales said, "Modern woodfuel heating is a clean, convenient and sustainable form of renewable energy.
"By creating demand for wood locally, Forestry Commission Wales can encourage more woodland owners to bring their woodlands into management.
"Better managed woodlands offer higher financial returns to their owners as well as improving habitats for wildlife and offering opportunities for recreation."
Part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Assembly Government, WEBS will support up to 41% of the cost of such carbon-reducing initiatives, with a total of £7.8 million available to SMEs in Wales.
Though the scheme, an expected 38,000 tonnes of CO2 will be saved per year.
For details of the seminars, please visit http://www.forestry.gov.uk/woodenergywales or call 0300 068 0042.
