Northwoods: Wood Fuel

Northwoods have been actively progressing the development of woodfuel markets and supply chains across the North East since 2003, developing and delivering products and services that are leading the way in the UK. Our activities range from the provision of training and business support to forestry businesses, through to the facilitation of international links and inward investment in the Regions' emerging biomass industry.

Training
Ignite is the first programme of its kind in the UK and has attracted interest from hundreds of trainees from across the country. The course focuses on the skills and knowledge required to set up and run a profitable woodfuel business. Northwoods worked with leading industry experts to design and deliver the course in North East England. The course won a National Training Award in 2006 and has since run at venues from Hampshire to Inverness. Read more >>
Research Northwoods completed a Skills and Training Needs Analysis for the Regions' emerging biomass industry. This research was carried out as part of a wide range of research projects that aim to assist in the development of the North East's biomass industry. Other research has included business modelling, resource assessments and more.
Quality Standards
Anticipating the implementation of the CEN Standard for Solid Biofuels, Northwoods have been working with members of the NEWFuels producer group to develop a set of straightforward quality assurance and control procedures for woodfuel. The application of these standards is a key tool in ensuring customer satisfaction and building confidence in the ability of the supply chain to deliver high quality fuel to end users. The training course is available on request.
Supply
Northwoods made a succesful bid to Defra's Bio-Energy Infrastructure Scheme in 2005 for the creation of a woodfuel producer group to provide confidence in the supply chain. This has long been the Achilles heel of the UK biomass industry, and with the producer group now in place, system installation is picking up pace as a result of the increased confidence. NEWFuels is the principle route for fuel chip supply in the North East, and has a growing list of customers. Read more >>

Market Stimulation

Northwoods' experience and connections in the Region were instrumental in helping us to secure the £1.2m market accelleration contract from Regional Development Agency, One NorthEast. Branded as NEWHeat, this market accelleration service will talk to 300 businesses across the North East region and assess their suitability for a woodfuel system. The NEWHeat project began in December 2006 and already helped more than 20 businesses, with several projects already moving forwards. Read more >>