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New Training Network Will Help UK Woodfuel Sector Meet Growing Demand

SAC News Release Ref. No: 12N08
Published: 11 Jan 2012

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SAC Consulting, supported by Rural Development Initiatives (RDI), is spearheading a new European network for the delivery of training in the woodfuel sector. SAC believes the initiative will better equip the UK industry to react to a boom in demand for woodfuel created by the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).

Over the next two years, the Wood Energy Training Network (WETNet) will develop European core competency standards for the woodfuel sector. Training materials will be produced and a pan-European network of woodfuel “supertrainers” will be developed.

SAC and RDI are working with partners in France, Austria, Estonia, Turkey and Finland. These countries have a varied range of woodfuel experience: Finland and Austria have well developed sectors while others, such as the UK, are still in the early stages of market development. The project, which is funded under the EU Leonardo da Vinci Transfer of Innovation fund, will draw on expertise and experience of all partners to develop ‘the best of the best’ woodfuel training. 

SAC’s Senior Biomass Energy Consultant Neil Harrison has 10 years of UK and international woodfuel training experience. He believes the new project is timely since the recently introduced Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) will lead to a rapid increase in the number of woodfuel installations in the UK - and a resulting increase in the demand for quality woodfuel. 

Neil said: “At present, the woodfuel supply sector in the UK is still immature, and there is no coordinated approach to the development of woodfuel production skills, with very little training available. WETNet will address this gap. 

“Challenging government targets for renewable energy and the arrival of the RHI makes the importance of creating a highly skilled workforce a pressing issue for the sector. Woodfuel production is a skilled task, and many businesses have struggled to enter the sector profitably, while at the same time keeping abreast of changing legislation, changes to quality standards and evolving best practice. If the UK is going to develop mature, reliable woodfuel supply chains, it is critical that potential woodfuel entrepreneurs obtain the skills they need to take advantage of this opportunity. ”

WETNet is inviting those involved with forestry or woodfuel supply to complete an online survey (www.northwoods.org.uk/wetnet or contact ben.tansey@ruraldevelopment.org.uk) on woodfuel training needs, the results of which will help shape the project. Entrants may win a £50 Stanton Hope voucher. 

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News Release Contacts

SAC Contact

Mr Neil Harrison
Consultant
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC Environmental, Wooler Livestock Centre, Berwick Road,
Wooler
NE71 6SL
TelWork 01668 283 363
MobileWork 07825781941

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News Release Issued By

Ms Jane Smernicki
Head of Communications
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC, West Mains Road,
Edinburgh
EH9 3JG
TelWork 0131 535 4331

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