Woodsure takes on management of Biomass Suppliers List

Woodsure, the quality assurance certification scheme for woodfuel, has taken over the running of the government’s Biomass Suppliers List (BSL) on behalf of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

Woodsure is working closely with the current contract holder, Gemserv, to make sure the experience is as seamless as possible for existing registered suppliers, with the new contract starting on 1 July 2021.

The BSL is a list of woodfuel that has proven it meets the eligibility requirements for the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme. It allows RHI participants to demonstrate to Ofgem that the fuel they are using in their biomass boilers meets the sustainability criteria needed to claim their RHI payments.

From 1 July, contact details for suppliers will change. The new contract also brings extended helpline hours, with representatives now available from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

To be authorised to join the BSL, suppliers must be able to evidence that the fuel has been produced legally and sustainably. That includes demonstrating that the greenhouse gas emissions generated from the cultivation, processing and transport of their biomass fuel are at least 60% lower than the EU fossil fuel average for heat. Suppliers also need to confirm that the wood has been legally felled and that the woodland has been sustainably managed.

While BSL authorisation doesn’t currently guarantee the quality of fuel, Woodsure does make voluntary provision via a fuel quality certification scheme which is used by many BSL suppliers. As of April 2022, Woodsure will be introducing the fuel quality policy element and working closely with the advisory panel to deliver it. Both Woodsure and HETAS have been working with BEIS and Gemserv as technical partners for the BSL since 2014, so they understand the scheme and are able to facilitate a smooth transition.

Helen Bentley-Fox, Director at Woodsure, added: “As we have such a focus already on sustainability and fuel quality here at Woodsure, we’re very well placed to run the scheme. “We’re looking forward to working together with suppliers, many of whom we already know. While we’re not planning any immediate changes, we’re hoping to work with suppliers and other partners to develop improved processes in future.” All current suppliers will be contacted with the new contact information.

Contact biomass-supplierslist.service.gov.uk/ woodsure.co.uk/aboutwoodsure/

WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS

“We are pleased to welcome new members to Confor this month from across the UK. Ahead of Confor’s annual renewals in September, I want to remind all members that you can now access a members area on Confor’s website at members.confor.org.uk

In this area you can view and edit your personal details, access content for Confor members, sign up to events and pay your Sarah Virgo membership subscription in September. You’ll need your membership number to register, but if you have any issues, please reach out to the Membership team. I hope you are all enjoying a great Summer so far, we are looking forward to being able to meet some of you face-to-face again as restrictions ease.” sarah@confor.org.uk

WELCOME TO: Raphael Estate Dyfi Timber Company Ltd Forest Creation Partners Genquip Ltd Baum Tree Company Craig Pinder Amanda Bryan Dan Brown Danny Kelliher David Funnell Jean Nairn John Weir Lily McGuinness Nicholas Barnes Saurav Karia Simon Hunter Wendy Joss Rosie Kalkowski