THE expanding interest in renewable energy took another step this week with Inverurie-based Rural Development Initiatives being appointed to provide support for those interested in the use of wood as fuel.
Working through local forums RDI, which is a not-for- profit organisation set up in 2005, will help gain access to public funds, aid training and provide specialist advice on woodfuel installations.
The forums, established by Forestry Commission Scotland, allow people and businesses working in the woodfuel sector to address, discuss and develop all aspects of Scotland’s woodfuel supply chain with a view to encourage the uptake of woodfuel.
Jonathan Taylor, of the commission, said it was an important time for woodfuel. “It will encourage many more people and businesses to switch to woodfuel and the market could grow substantially,” he said. RDI co-director Claire Glaister believed the woodfuel sector in Scotland was about to step up a gear and move on to its next stage of growth.