RENEWABLE ENERGY
 
Possibly the hottest topic in the world of agriculture is renewable energy. The Kyoto Protocol and draft climate change Bill require the UK to significantly reduce carbon emissions, by 2020 by between 26% and 32%. From growing oil seed rape for bio diesel to coppicing woodland to fuel a woodchip boiler, agriculture certainly has its part to play. The huge interest in this area is creating market opportunities and income streams for those willing to get involved.

CLM’s experience in this sector of the industry is constantly growing. Having dealt with energy contracts for our clients growing rape in the past we are now developing woodchip supply on varying scales.

Combined Heat and Power (CHP)

Earlier this year CLM were asked by Green Renewable Solutions to locate suitable sites for Biomass Gasifiers and produce scoping reports for each site. We identified six suitable sites across the country and are now involved in the next phase of this project. Biomass Gasifiers produce heat and electricity using either waste timber or clean timber (biomass) as a fuel.

Wood Chip

Demand for good quality wood chip is steadily increasing with the building of wood chip boilers to heat schools and offices. This demand will continue to grow as businesses and local authorities are influenced by government policy and realise the benefits of wood chip boilers.

CLM has secured grant funding for clients to invest in this industry with funding towards chippers and harvesting equipment. As markets and supply chains develop the benefit to woodland owners will increase as coppicing regimes are returned to traditionally managed woodlands and England Woodland Grant Scheme grants justified as managing woodlands becomes economic.

CLM is currently developing a wood fuel supply chain in East Sussex.