The wood biomass industry in the UK is thriving, a new report suggests.
In a recent study into the usage and demand of wood supplies in Britain, the Confederation of Forest Industries (ConFor), together with the UK Forest Products Association and the Wood Panel Industries Federation, found that biomass is fast becoming big business.
"Demand for wood fibre is forecast to increase dramatically in Britain in the next 15 years", states the report.
"The principal reasons behind this rise are government policies and incentives which encourage the use of wood as a source of renewable energy."
In its poll of 93 companies, which collectively cover 139 existing or proposed wood processing plants, ConFor found that 33 firms are operating, or have plans to operate, a total of 63 wood energy plants across the UK.
It concludes therefore that it is particularly important for such plants to secure contracts with suppliers of wood pellets, chips and general wood materials as this could be fundamental to them gaining planning permission.
Those who supply machinery such as conveyors to the wood pellet and wood waste industry could benefit from the rapid growth as it places a demand for handling equipment.
Conveyors – screw conveyors – chain conveyors – belt conveyors