More willow growers wanted
UK - Biomass demand in Yorkshire looks set to increase, as a key power station wants to source more locally grown energy crops.Drax power station, near Selby is trialling ‘direct injection’ processing equipment to co-fire wood-derived biomass with coal and aims to take supplies from 12,500ha of energy crops by 2009.
At present, energy crops – including willow Short Rotation Coppice – are supplied by Renewable Fuels from around 1100ha, but the proposed 2009 target is not unrealistic, said the firm’s Pernilla Tweddle.
“We are optimistic farmers will get on board. Energy crops really are worth looking at – they can be planted on set-aside and you can still claim the Single Farm Payment.
“Additionally, you get income from the willow every three years.”
Source: FWi
14 September 2005
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