CIWM welcomes role of biomass and waste in DECC's Heat Strategy

05 April 2012

The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) has welcomed the publication of DECC's heat strategy and the recognition that biomass and waste have a contribution to make to the Government's aim of encouraging renewable and low-carbon heat technologies.

"Decarbonising heat is an important and challenging task and the strategy provides a very useful assessment of the current situation, looking at heat use across different sectors as well as providing supporting evidence and real-life case studies, and exploring future policy options," says CIWM chief executive Steve Lee. "The national heat map will also help planners decide on opportunities for district heat networks and other installations."

The strategy includes good examples of energy from waste facilities that already supply heat through district networks, and local authorities are encouraged to work with energy companies, waste companies and local industry to develop these networks. Opportunities for commercial and industrial biomass boilers, CHP plants and EfW plants to feed into heat networks are also discussed, as well as the use of waste, biomass and biogas fuels for industry heating.

Another welcome element is the acknowledgement that the injection of biomethane into the grid from biomass and waste technologies is a viable option. However, technological advances and biomass availability will determine the scale to which this can be done.

"It is particularly pleasing to see the recognition of the significant role that developing UK district heating networks can play in securing a more energy efficient and lower carbon energy infrastructure," says Paul James, Chair of CIWM's Thermal Treatment Special Interest Group. "A UK policy framework that supports and encourages district heating will help a full range of waste recovery and energy production technologies to optimize their energy and carbon efficiency."

ENDS

The full Heat Strategy can be found at: http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/meeting_energy/heat_strategy/heat_strategy.aspx

Notes to Editors:

1. The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) is the leading professional body for the waste management sector representing over 7000 individuals in the UK and overseas. Established in 1898, CIWM is a non profit-making organisation, dedicated to the promotion of professional competence amongst waste managers. CIWM seeks to raise standards for those working in and with the sector by producing best practice guidance, developing educational and training initiatives, and providing information on key waste-related issues. Comprehensive information about CIWM can be found at www.ciwm.co.uk

2. Comprehensive information about CIWM can be found at www.ciwm.co.uk

Press contacts:
Pat Jennings
CIWM Communications Office
Tel: 01604 620426
Mob: 07912 228260
E-mail: pat.jennings@ciwm.co.uk