NFU Energy has put forward our Head of Technical Delivery, Oli, to be appointed to the Board of the Wood Heat Association (WHA) to represent non-wood biomass interests. It’s a really important role to many farmers, growers, fuel suppliers and those with renewable installations. It offers the opportunity to have your views, as readers of our content, clients of NFU Energy and as NFU members put forward. In his own words, here’s why you, our clients, and NFU members should vote in the upcoming election:

Oli works primarily in agricultural and horticultural renewable energy projects, which provides him with a broad skill set across the whole energy sector, from Government compliance schemes such as RHI, FiT, ROC, ESOS & CHPQA to feasibility and research projects for both commercial and industry bodies. He is always looking for opportunities to spend time working with other like-minded people for the good of the industry.

NFU Energy has been involved with renewable heat prior to the RHI scheme and was involved in the early promotion of RHI alongside the Carbon Trust. We have consulted on over 1,200 renewable heat installations. Also as part of the NFU, we are regular contributors to consultations, WHA meetings and RHI user groups etc. We have witnessed the growth and challenges faced by the biomass industry. Throughout this time, we have been advocates for biomass heat where it is applicable and strived to represent both straightforward compliances for consumers and good practice within the industry. 

Alongside our project partner, Crops For Energy, we developed and now run the Sustainable Fuel Register (SFR). SFR is an approved scheme for compliance with ongoing RHI Sustainability requirements. The SFR supports all non-woody biomass fuels, including popular types such as straw and miscanthus as well as nascent materials like oat husks, coffee grounds and olive pomace. The SFR, therefore, helps to add value to materials that would otherwise be of limited use.

Oli is keen to expand the horizons of the biomass fuel sector in conjunction with circular economy principles, through detailed technical discussions to ensure best consumer experience and continued input to policies that encourage the uptake of sustainable biomass heat and power. By championing the right fuels for the right applications and promoting existing and developing wood fuel standards, he believes that the biomass heat industry can retain the confidence of consumers, continue to grow and help to deliver the UK’s ambitious net-zero carbon goals.

WHA Members will be able to vote through the link provided in the e-newsletter sent out on Monday 02 September. Voting closes on the 15 September so make sure you vote today!