One of the reasons commonly cited as a barrier to implementing new energy forms is the lack of a suitable infrastructure for
production and delivery that can rival that of the established oil, gas & coal industries.

Renewable biomass energy – in the form of wood chip fuel – is a proven and established technology whose take-up has been
hindered by a lack of development in the associated fuel supply infrastructure.

Creating an effective, high-quality supply chain
The primary aim of the Westwoods project is to create just such a viable infrastructure – facilitating the entire supply chain from producer to consumer – in order to position wood fuel as a realistic and practical energy resource.

The practical objective of Westwoods is to bring more woodland into management and thereby make more woodfuel available to local markets.

Economic viability, environmental sustainability
We recognise that, in order to be taken seriously, new energy initiatives cannot be solely predicated upon an ethical or philosophical position, but must also provide a compelling practical and economic case in their own right.

Best-practice model
By establishing efficient mechanisms of coordination, assured standards and good practice, Westwoods will demonstrate that wood fuel stands on its own merits as a practical and cost-effective energy resource. Our objective will be to refine an operational model that can be duplicated in other regions.

Supported during its implementation phase by a range of grant funding, the Westwoods initiative is a not-for-profit organisation solely dedicated to fulfilling its guiding principles.