Forestry

Forestry  has a leading role to play in the provision of biomass energy in Wales and a greater integration with agriculture can only have a positive outcome.

There are 286,000 ha of woodland in Wales covering 14% of the land, 40% of which is managed by the Forestry Commission. 

The Biomass industry can help breathe new life into neglected woodlands, bringing them back under management.  In addition, it provides an environmental and economical means of using what has previously been viewed as a wood waste product. Forestry and arboricultural thinnings, as well as sawmill residues can be used as raw materials for heat and electricity production.

The combustion of wood products is seen as being almost carbon neutral as the carbon dioxide released is matched by that taken up by the trees whilst growing. In addition, woodland management will ensure that any burning of wood for fuel will be matched by the planting of new trees.  By helping to generate local fuel supplies, especially in more remote areas, both financial and environmental transport costs can be reduced.

It is important to note that not all woodland sites will be suitable candidates for fuel production, with some being deemed “sensitive to wood fuel extraction”. The Forestry commission can give you full details of all aspects of woodland management and wood fuel production.

• Biomass Energy Centre
• Biomass Energy Centre Portal