Bioenergy and Forestry

Bioenergy refers to the use of plant or animal based products to generate energy transport.  It covers two linked but relatively distinct areas – biomass and biofuels. 

• Biomass refers to the use of solid materials such as woodchip for the generation of heat and/or electricity.
• Biofuels covers liquid fuels used in engines to provide motive power. 

Biomass

The region’s biomass industry is increasing in size. Currently there are about 25 sites using biomass which have an installed capacity of over 3.5MWth (this is equal to the power used to heat roughly 1000 homes).  The sites range from small scale facilities such as a community centre or a school to industrial uses such as NaREC’s Clothier Laboratory, and the large scale power production by SembCorp. 

One NorthEast has invested in a market development service to improve the uptake of biomass heating technology; the NEWHeat project.  This project provides both free and subsidised technical support for businesses interested in using biomass – watch the NEWHeat video to find out more. 

Biomass can significantly reduce fuel bills whilst being 96% carbon neutral. It creates jobs in rural areas both through businesses installing and running boilers and through the fuel supply chain. The economic benefits of biomass could be worth tens of millions of pounds to the region.

Biofuels

Biofuels have an important role in the economic development of the region – over the next 20 years it is estimated that they could be worth £1billion to the North East. Over £200million has already been invested here and over £100million of further investment is planned. 

The Regional Strategy for Transport Biofuels sets out the strategic direction and vision for the region, which is to become an internationally significant biofuels hub.  The Agency is working with the industry to make sure that the region’s competitive advantage is retained and further improved so that we can realise this vision.  For more information, visit the website of North East Biofuels, the regional industry group

One Green Route

This is a network of more than 20 independent garages in the region which sell environmentally friendly biodiesel – a blend of 95% diesel with up to 5% biodiesel from a variety of sources, including rape seed oil, which is a key sustainable crop for farmers in the region.

The project was launched by One NorthEast as part of our work to build capacity in all aspects of the biofuels industry in the region.