The Green Energy Cluster in South-West, UK:

 

South-West Wood Fuels Ltd

Website: www.swwf.info

E-mail: info@swwf.info

Phone: +44 1398 324558

Fax: +44 1398 324559

 

 

Partner information:

SWWF’s overall objective is to expand automated wood heating mostly but not exclusively within the South West. The two main activities are raising awareness and providing a practical interface between fuel producers and boiler operators/managers.

 

The expanding membership of this ‘not for profit’ co-operative total approximately 100 with a planned target of 250. Members come from a range of diverse backgrounds which include installation companies, boiler owners, timber processors, woodland owners and managers and farmers.

 

SWWF membership acts as a focal point for bringing these individuals together in a mutually beneficial relationship. This co-ordination is vital and much appreciated in the UK wood energy industry which is embryonic and often fragmented. Clustering of resources and technical help have shown to be effective where they have occurred in the South West already and further encourage through participation in this project would be beneficial and effective.

 

Technical assistance and providing an interface

SWWF works directly with approximately 15 boiler and 20 pellet stove owners sourcing fuel and advising on handling and processing in order to constantly improve fuel quality and economic viability at the end point. We work directly with 25 sawmills and woodland owners to help deliver into the above installations.

 

Specific areas of assistance include: wood chip store design, chipper training and maintenance, Health and safety, fuel handling, drying and storage, time and motion study. We aim to provide good information to potential installers on appropriate technology for their needs, the costs, advantages and disadvantages. These could be expanded and rolled out into new areas to support and address the lack of confidence in fuel available which currently hinders new proposals from proceeding to installation.  Similarly we strive to achieve 100% trouble free running of existing installations.

 

Raising awareness and providing information and contacts

Starting from the mostly correct assumption that there is a wide and broad range lack of understanding about renewable energy and in particular wood heating. SWWF would like to expand its programme of campaigns towards the following groups:

 

General public:

Providing information of best practice and availability of appropriate wood burning technologies. Arrange visits for groups and individuals to existing installations demonstrating best practice. These have been shown to be very effective ways of explaining the technology and overcoming common misconceptions. Expansion of this service is limited by budget.

 

Fuel suppliers:

Build contacts and infrastructure between the supply and demand of wood fuel.

 

Local authorities, government and other organisations:

SWWF seeks to expand knowledge amongst the key players so that they can confidently apply the technology successfully and in pursuit of government targets for 2010.

 

Private contractors, architects and developers:

similar to above.

 

Installers and boiler manufacturers:

Disseminate information on new models and developments both nationally and internationally. Provide contact between customers and installers.  Current engagement with installers includes Wood Energy Limited, Econergy Ltd and Talbotts engineering.