As the debate over whether the UK will hit its target of 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050 heats up, businesses and organisations across the UK have been finding out how they can stay one step ahead in the energy stakes at Ignition09 – the UK’s first dedicated wood fuel expo - which was officially launched today by leading sustainable development expert, Jonathon Porritt.

Speaking to a packed audience at The Sage Gateshead, Jonathon Porritt – Founder Director of Forum for the Future and Chair of the UK Sustainable Development Commission – applauded the event in bringing this renewable heat energy source to the fore.

“People need to understand how urgent it is to start developing this country’s wood fuel industry. We’ve talked about it for years whilst others have been taking action. This is potentially a huge industry so we just need to turn all those eloquent politicians’ words into urgent action on the ground. For this to happen it’s vitally important to provide easy access to current information and aid understanding of this growing sector. Ignition09 is a fantastic new opportunity enabling companies to make an informed decision on whether wood heat is a viable option for their business in the future,” he said.

With wood fuel being identified by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) as being the lowest cost effective way to deliver renewable energy, this two-day free event – backed by One North East and Rural Development Initiatives (RDI) - provides businesses with a one-stop shop covering all the benefits of switching to this method of renewable energy.

Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, sent a message welcoming this new event and its specific focus on raising awareness of wood fuel as a source of renewable heat and power.

“As we made clear in our consultation on a Renewable Energy Strategy, biomass, including wood fuel, for the generation of heat and electricity has an important role in helping the UK achieve its renewable energy targets, reducing carbon emissions. And, in these difficult economic times, it can also play a role in both protecting and developing new, green jobs. That is why the Government is committed to putting measures in place to support a significant expansion in the biomass supply chain and is introducing a Renewable Heat Incentive to encourage greater uptake of renewable energy technologies including those based on biomass. With a growing number of businesses looking to lower their carbon emissions and to “green” their energy, Ignition09 and the discussions around it therefore come at a timely moment to contribute to the debate on how we can grow the wood fuel sector in a viable and sustainable way to contribute to these aims.”

With this Government legislation already in place via the 2008 Energy Bill, a panel of industry experts are currently looking at implementation mechanisms and what tariffs might be helpful with regard to renewable electricity and heat. Industry sources are said to be pushing for a tariff of one and two pence per kWh (kilowatt hours) which would offset a significant part of fuel costs for a biomass system. This has the potential to make wood fuel even more affordable than it already is, and it is predicted that demand for heating products will mushroom.

David Clubb, wood fuel expert, speaking on behalf of Ignition09 said: “Although it will be a few years before the structure for this legislation is put in place, it is in the best interests of any business or organisation to stay one step ahead and find out how a renewable source like wood fuel could benefit their operation.”

The event, which was designed as part of the NEWHeat project – a not for profit initiative funded by One North East – will hopefully encourage and provide advice to hundreds of businesses across the region on converting to wood fuel. Margaret Fay, Chairman of One North East, said: “It’s important that businesses are aware of the economic and environmental benefits of switching to green energy supplies, and Ignition09 will really help to boost this awareness.

“One North East remains committed to supporting low carbon energy solutions, including biomass projects, to help reduce the impact of carbon emissions emitted by burning fossil fuels. At a time when finding ways to supplement income and move into new markets is particularly important for small businesses, especially those in rural areas, the growing biomass market can also provide business opportunities into the supply chain.” 

Amongst those local organisations that have utilised the free feasibility study offered by the service, or those that have either made steps to install or have invested in a wood fuel heating system are: the green award winning Battlesteads Hotel and Park End Estate in Northumberland; Hexham Swimming Pool; Thorn Lighting in Spennymoor and NaREC’s industrial high-voltage test facility in Hebburn and Durham Cathedral – illustrating the diverse range of businesses that can accommodate and benefit from switching to wood fuel.*

Organisers hope that the expo will drive home the savings businesses can make both environmentally and financially. “Many businesses aren’t aware of how wood fuel as a heat energy source can not only provide a 90% reduction on carbon emissions, but also has the potential to cut energy bill by half*. I know in today’s economic climate many businesses are putting environmental concerns on the back burner but in the long term it really does make sense to act now in order to future-proof your business,” said David Clubb.

Organisers hope that the success of this event will seal plans to hold a second wood fuel expo in 2011.