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15/10/2004
Environmentally friendly biomass energy initiative launched
A drive to boost production of trees and plants as environment-friendly energy sources has been launched today.
Former farmers' leader Sir Ben Gill will head a new government-appointed task force to stimulate biomass supply and demand in a bid to help meet renewable energy targets and to boost farming, forestry and the rural economy.
Food and Farming Minister Larry Whitty also unveiled a new £3.5million UK-wide Bio-Energy Infrastructure Scheme offering grants to help harvest, store, process and supply biomass for energy production.
Biomass can be used to produce heat and electricity, using crops such as willow, miscanthus (a tall, woody grass) and woodfuel from forests.
Biomass is an important element in government plans to increase renewable energy sources and cut greenhouse gases - since 2002, £66million in capital grants for has been ploughed into biomass projects.
Mr Whitty said: "We must look to the future in our search for low-carbon energy sources. Biomass energy has the potential to be of huge benefit in terms of combatting climate change, boosting farm diversification and creating more rural jobs."
The government's Renewables Obligation requires electricity suppliers to obtain 15% of their electricity from renewable sources, including biomass, by 2015.
(gmcg/mb)
Former farmers' leader Sir Ben Gill will head a new government-appointed task force to stimulate biomass supply and demand in a bid to help meet renewable energy targets and to boost farming, forestry and the rural economy.
Food and Farming Minister Larry Whitty also unveiled a new £3.5million UK-wide Bio-Energy Infrastructure Scheme offering grants to help harvest, store, process and supply biomass for energy production.
Biomass can be used to produce heat and electricity, using crops such as willow, miscanthus (a tall, woody grass) and woodfuel from forests.
Biomass is an important element in government plans to increase renewable energy sources and cut greenhouse gases - since 2002, £66million in capital grants for has been ploughed into biomass projects.
Mr Whitty said: "We must look to the future in our search for low-carbon energy sources. Biomass energy has the potential to be of huge benefit in terms of combatting climate change, boosting farm diversification and creating more rural jobs."
The government's Renewables Obligation requires electricity suppliers to obtain 15% of their electricity from renewable sources, including biomass, by 2015.
(gmcg/mb)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
