The number of people using wood to heat their homes has increased to such an extent that previously struggling products are now proving to be viable, reports The Press & Journal.
The Forestry Commission reports that the demand for wood fuel has increased three times in the last four years. It’s not just home owners who have switched to using wood as fuel though. The director of DWP Harvesting, Andrew Nicol, said there had been a massive surge in sales of wood chips, pellets and logs to both home owners and businesses as people switched from oil and gas to renewable wood for their heat.
Mr Nicol said he expected demand to increase further for two reasons. A new energy centre has been built for NHS Grampian at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. This is set to use 4,500 tonnes a year. Secondly, a district heating scheme is being installed at a housing development at Banchory which will use a further 8,000 tonnes a year.
The Scottish Environment Minister said there was a significant increase in the number of businesses switching to biomass products. In fact in Scotland there are grants available to help small and medium sized businesses move to wood through the Scottish biomass heat scheme.
This renewable energy story was brought to you by Utility Exchange. Saving Time, Money and Energy for your Business.
Source: The Press & Journal
Tags: sources renewable energy
