WOODCHIP BOILER FIRST FOR PERTH

A farmer encouraging farm diversification has become the first person in Perthshire to invest in renewable heating, thanks in part to a cash boost from Forestry Commission Scotland as part of its Developing Farm Woodland Energy pilot grant scheme

Local farmer, Jamie Reith, from Methven, is now running the renewable energy company, Reith Partners (Woodfuel) Ltd, and providing all types of wood-related fuel. He has recently installed and commissioned the first fully automated modern woodchip boiler in the area and organised the import of the only purpose-built Austrian (Eschlbock) woodchipper in Scotland.

The boiler - which makes use of the latest advances in wood burning technology to provide a sophisticated and efficient solution for renewable heating - is now fully operational. The system is completely automated, with auto-ignition and self cleaning, and is more than 90 per cent efficient. A grant of £4000 from the Scottish Community Householder Initiative (SCHRI), which is funded by the Scottish Executive, helped to purchase the boiler.

Jamie said:

“The farm is a small family business and we support the use of renewable energy. We were keen to demonstrate the benefits of converting from oil or other forms of fossil-fuel heating in terms of saving in fuel costs and protecting the environment.

"Fuel quality is critical, and the woodchipper is specifically designed to produce the right size and quality of wood chip for fuel. The woodchipper is capable of chipping whole trees, sawmill offcuts or branch material, and producing chips of consistent quality for using as fuel. We can provide a chipping service to others who are interested in installing biomass boilers and have their own timber supply."

The Developing Farm Woodland Energy pilot grant scheme is designed to support farm diversification, renewable energy and economic management of farm woodlands through local wood production and the use of wood energies. Forestry Commission Scotland provides grants to farmers, and farm businesses, to help develop the supply chain required to harvest, store, process and supply woody biomass and woodfuel to energy end-users.

Dan Gates, woodfuel information officer for Forestry Commission Scotland, said:

"Woodfuel is a local, renewable source of energy whether for an individual house or generating energy for a whole community. We are delighted that farmers such as Jamie are moving into the renewables business.

"There is now a network of suppliers including foresters, farmers, sawmills and estates, pretty much covering the whole of Scotland, which are creating a new source of income for rural areas.”

The boiler will be available for those interested to see it working on designated open days. For further information visit www.woodforwarmth.co.uk. For further information on woodfuel contact Dan Gates on 01738 450793 or email dan.gates@forestry.gsi.gov.uk or www.usewoodfuel.co.uk

Notes to editors:

1. Forestry Commission Scotland serves as the Scottish Executive's forestry department. It manages 668,000 hectares of national forest land for multiple benefits, including nature conservation, public recreation, timber production, and rural and community development; supports other woodland owners with grants, felling licences, advice and regulation; promotes the benefits of forests and forestry; and advises Ministers on forestry policy. For further information, visit www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland
2. Reith Partners (Woodfuel) Ltd employs four staff and can offer a full range of services relating to the supply, installation and operation of a modern biomass boiler. The business has been partly supported in its set-up through a grant from Forestry Commission Scotland. Consultancy is also available in relation to the other forms of grant aid that are available for individuals and organisations considering their own biomass installation. More information on the company is available from www.woodforwarmth.co.uk or Jamie Reith on 07768 546275.
3. The 50kW woodchip boiler was installed in October to heat the existing farmhouse and new steading development, and provide a demonstrator for a new business venture, supplying Woodfuel boilers ans associated fuels.
4. The boiler was installed by Jamie Reith, a 35 year old second generation farmer/forester at Whitebank with a particular interest in developing and promoting the use of biomass in Scotland.
5. In order to further the local debate on the practicalities of using woodfuel to and to demonstrate an automated heating and chipping system, Perth councillors have been invited to view the new installation. A demonstration day is being organised in association with Perthshire Biomass Partnership and regular demonstration days will be available for the public. For more details contact info@woodforwarmth.co.uk

Media Enquiries to:
Claire Martin, Forestry Commission Scotland press office, tel: 0131 3146506
Dan Gates, Perth and Argyll Conservancy, tel: 01738 442830

Source: Forestry.gov.uk