NEWHeat
At the end of 2006 RDI secured the largest single woodfuel market acceleration contract in the UK, beating off competition from companies with significant national and international reputations. The client, English Regional Development Agency One NorthEast, engaged RDI as the lead partner in a consortium to deliver the North East Bioenergy Development Service. Working with Cravens, a leading marketing agency, the service was branded as NEWHeat, reflecting its regional nature and the concept of introducing a ‘new’ technology to businesses in the North East Region.
Following a modified version of the Information : Diagnostic : Brokerage model used by Business Link, the NEWHeat service is making rapid progress towards its target of 300 businesses assisted by the end of March 2009. The NEWHeat team work with businesses to provide initial feasibility studies and then providing grant aid to pay for full system design by installation companies. NEWHeat run the tender process and advise on fuel procurement, providing expert advice and support to customers every step of the way.
The NEWHeat service integrates with other activities in the Region, most notably North East Woodfuels, the producer group managed by RDI on behalf of the farming and forestry businesses that make up its membership. North East Woodfuels provides customers with confidence in the Regional woodfuel supply chain and makes sure that when a customer comes forward from the NEWHeat service that they’re getting quality controlled, locally sourced woodfuel from the Regions’ woodlands.
For more information on NEWHeat take a look at the website - www.newheat.org.uk or contact Dave Clubb at the North East Office.
Yorkshire
Following approaches from regional partners, RDI worked through its Yorwoods team to secure funding from the Yorkshire Dales National Park and Nidderdale AONB Sustainable Development Funds to operate the Dales Biomass Development Service. This service acts as a platform for communities and other parties interested in developing biomass energy projects and the associated supply chain. The Yorwoods team work together with energy customers and woodland owners to stimulate economic growth and ensure the potential of biomass as a viable renewable energy source is realised.
Following on from the initial success of the Dales Biomass Development Service, a parallel project was established in the North York Moors. Bringing in funding from the North York Moors National Park, the Howardian Hills AONB and Ryedale District Council, the project mirrors the activities and successes of the Dales project.
Both services also provides support for the sustainable management of woodlands, which in turn lead to improved biodiversity, landscape and amenity values across North Yorkshire. These projects are just one of the ways that RDI are working to achieve conservation and other benefits from the innovative use of public funds.
“As part of a biomass development project in eastern North Yorkshire RDI have been assisting Ryedale District Council in the implementation and conversion of new and existing council properties to woodfuel heating systems. Their help and experience has both informed and influenced decisions in the ongoing programme of renewable energy use.”
Nick Coakley
Environment & Energy Conservation Officer
