Wood Heat Association Launched
The Renewable Energy Association (REA) have announced the launch of an affiliate trade association, the Wood Heat Assocation (WHA).
The WHA was founded in interim form last year by wood heat companies seeking to establish a single trade body to represent the modern UK wood heating industry, from equipment manufacturers and installers to fuel producers and distributors. The WHA Interim Board then decided to establish the WHA as an affiliate association to the umbrella trade body the REA. Under the partnership, the WHA will benefit from the REA’s back-office support and proven policy expertise in much the same way as the Solar Trade Association (STA), which affiliated to the REA in 2011.
Wood Heat Industry Growth
Julian Morgan-Jones, MD of South East Wood Fuels and Interim Chairman of the WHA, said:
“This is an exciting time for the wood heat industry. Wood heat is rapidly becoming one of the major players in UK renewables. As the industry grows, it is increasingly important to establish a clear identity and a strong voice to Government and stakeholders. The REA is already doing great work here so there’s no need to reinvent the wheel, which is why we are very happy to be working with them.
“Our number one focus is securing the future of the RHI beyond 2016. Beyond that, we are also working to professionalise the industry so it is well equipped to tackle the challenges ahead. An important first step is to raise awareness and standards across the wood heat supply chain: from boiler design, manufacture and installation to the safety, quality and sustainability of wood fuel. Together we’re seeking to encourage more joined up thinking between fuel suppliers and equipment installers.”
All corporate WHA members will automatically be given membership to the REA’s existing Biomass Heat Group (BHG), and vice versa, with the two groups set to run in parallel until at least 2015. The two groups will work closely together, with the WHA building on the BHG’s expertise in policy to raise standards within the industry and awareness among the general public. The BHG, which already boasts 180 member companies, will also benefit from the new ideas and energy brought by WHA members.
For more information on joining the WHA, visit www.woodheatassociation.org.uk
