Wood Heat Association joins the Renewable Energy Association

The Renewable Energy Association (REA), the UK’s largest not-for-profit industry association for all renewable energy technologies, has welcomed the newly formed Wood Heat Association (WHA) as an affiliate trade association.

Wood heat is the fastest growing source of low carbon heating for UK homes and businesses under the Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). Biomass accounts for 56% of investment and over 90% of energy generation under the scheme between 2010 and 2012, demonstrating its excellent value-for-money. The 700+ companies across the UK wood heat supply chain support approximately 13,500 jobs.

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 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.”

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”.