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24 May 2004

FORESTRY SYSTEM OFFERS NEW RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCE

"Short Rotation Coppice has the potential to alleviate the effects of climate change through substituting wood based renewable energy for fossil fuels and contributing to our renewable energy targets," said Agriculture Minister, Ian Pearson, MP, today, as he announced a period of consultation on a Short Rotation Coppice Challenge Fund until 2 July 2004.

Short Rotation Coppice is a specialised form of forestry and involves growing high yielding trees, such as willows, at close spacing and harvesting at regular short intervals (about every three years). The harvested crop is usually converted into wood chips which are used as a fuel to generate heat and energy. Carbon, released by burning coppice, is recycled by succeeding crops so that the system is ‘carbon neutral’ and does not contribute to climate change.

The Minister said: "By publishing this consultation paper, I am informing farmers and the energy industry about the potential of Short Rotation Coppice for an energy end use, at a time of increasing interest in biomass as a source of renewable energy.

"This development also offers an opportunity to some farmers to diversify their existing agricultural enterprise.

"The consultation paper proposes a process whereby landowners and the energy industry are challenged to bring forward competitive tenders for the establishment of short rotation coppice, so that projects offering best value for money can be selected."

The Minister singled out a producer’s ability to identify an energy end use for the crop as being a key component for success of any project. Ian Pearson concluded: "I welcome comments on these issues which will help inform the development of the scheme."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. The consultation paper can be viewed on the Forest Service website: www.forestserviceni.gov.uk

     

  2. Responses to the consultation should be returned by 2 July 2004 to:

    Joan Morrison
    Short Rotation Coppice Challenge Fund Consultation
    Room 23
    Dundonald House
    Upper Newtownards Road
    Belfast
    BT4 3SB

     

  3. Further information can be obtained from Stuart Morwood: Tel 028 9052 4561.

     

  4. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, Tel: 028 9052 4619.