THERE are more biomass installations in Yorkshire and the Humber than any other region in England.

And it could be in line for a major boost as the Ministry of Defence at Catterick considers converting 40 boilers to woodfuel and RAF Leeming also examines its existing arrangements.

Rudie Humphrey, regional woodfuel officer with the Forestry Commission, said the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs estates section is also instigating a switch to woodfuel in the region.

The Defra estate includes the Rural Payments Agency, Natural England and the state veterinary centres such as Thirsk.

Mr Humphrey said: “We have quite a push from within national Government to support the installation of biomass boilers.”

He was addressing the first regional wood suppliers forum which was held at Carlshead Farm, Sicklinghall, near Wetherby, on Thursday of last week.

Organisers expected to attract about 20 people but more than double that figure attended. “And we have been turning others away for a fortnight,” said Mr Humphrey.

On the domestic market scene, he said the woodburning stove market was booming with many fire salerooms reporting massive interest and demand.

Mr Humphrey warned woodfuel suppliers that Government policy is now to source any wood products, even pencils, from sustainable sources.

Anyone thinking of selling wooden products or wood fuel to a government body has to be CPET – Central Point of Expertise on Timber – compliant.

He warned that from 2013, the requirement will also be adopted by all local authorities.

Representatives from Yorwoods, Yorkshire Forward and CO2Sense, previously known as Future Energy Yorkshire, addressed the meeting to explain their involvement in wood fuel and how they could help producers to develop their businesses and markets.