In 2006, Rural Development Initiatives were engaged by the Forestry Commission’s East of England Region and Renewables East to scope out the demand and opportunities for a woodfuel facilitation project in the region. The need for this work arose out of the FC England Woodfuel Strategy and the introduction of the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE), which for the first time provided nationwide financial support for the forest based woodfuel supply chain. Encouraging the growth of the woodfuel market was seen as a significant opportunity to bring into management the majority of private woodland in the East of England which was not managed, leading to a decline in biodiversity and loss of economic activity.
The assignment involved extensive discussions with boiler installers, woodfuel suppliers, processors and users, relevant regional organisations in both the public and private sectors, and potential funders and partners. It was clear from the outset that the success of any project would require not only a sound evidence basis and market on which to build, but also support from the whole supply chain for a model which provided mutual benefits. RDI staff worked closely with a Steering Group to achieve this and to provide ongoing feedback on emerging proposals.
Once a consensus was achieved as to a preferred option, RDI prepared the business case and funding application to the East of England Development Agency for RDPE funding. Again this involved extensive liaison with a range of organisations, especially the Forestry Commission who it had been decided were to be the host body for the new project. The resulting application was submitted to EEDA and following the normal evaluation and assessment, which highly endorsed the proposal, over £4m of RDPE funding was allocated to Woodfuel East, making it the largest single RDPE investment in renewable energy in England at the time.
Woodfuel East is now up and running with a Project Manager and a number of advisors and offers advice to businesses and individuals active in the forest based woodfuel supply chain. It also provides training, grant aid and collaborative promotion and awareness raising, ensuring woodfuel is at the forefront of renewable energy deployment in the East of England. See http://www.woodfueleast.org.uk/ for more details.
