Friday 2 May 2014

UK opens registration for sustainable biomass fuel

Woodfuel suppliers are now able to register their fuels as sustainable – a first for the UK biomass sector.

DECC has opened registrations so they can apply to the Biomass Suppliers List (BSL) which it said is a “major milestone” in ensuring biomass supported under the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is sustainable.

Producers and traders of woodfuel who wish to access the RHI market can apply for free to the BSL while small and micro firms will be able to use a new carbon calculator.

Large businesses will be able to use the ‘UK Solid and Gaseous Biomass and Biogas Carbon Calculator’ to calculate their greenhouse gas emissions associated with their fuel. Individuals and businesses that supply their own fuel are however encouraged to register as “self-supplier”.

“The BSL will help develop the growing market for renewable heat providing opportunities throughout the supply chain”, DECC said.

From Autumn this year, all biomass fuel used in the UK that are claiming the RHI must meet a lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions target of 60% against the EU fossil fuel average.