The government has launched a consultation on a 12-month suspension of the ENplus A1 standard for wood pellets amid concerns of biomass supply shortage
The government has proposed to “temporarily suspend” the fuel quality requirement for Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) participants using wood pellets.
That is part of a consultation launched by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy seeking views on the proposed measures.
Ministers have acknowledged that the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the imposed sanctions have affected the supply of wood pellets in the UK.
The government is looking at a 12-month suspension of the ‘ENplus A1’ standard for wood pellets – this requirement came into effect in April to reduce air pollution and improve fuel efficiency.
Officials said: “It is estimated that up to 40% of the ENplus pellets used in the UK are imported from Russia and Belarus.
“We recognise that the suspension of wood pellets coming from these countries is likely to have an impact on the availability, and consequentially on the prices of wood pellets in the coming months and through the next winter.”
A few days ago, it was reported that during a private meeting of MPs, the Business Secretary said importing wood to burn for power in the UK was not sustainable.
Written by Dimitris Mavrokefalidis
Original article