WHA Board Elections Open Monday 2nd September

Following nominations to the WHA Board for the position of ‘non-wood fuel biomass heating’, two candidates have recieved nominations. These are:

election pic 2

 

Here are there personal statements:

Oliver Coe, Head of Technical Delivery, NFU Energy

7ae68843-6378-4fbf-8e2c-c00c51f03824_800As Head of Technical Delivery at NFU Energy, working primarily in agricultural and horticultural renewable energy projects, my experience gives me a broad skillset applicable across the whole energy sector, from Government compliance schemes
such as RHI, FiT, ROC, ESOS & CHPQA to feasibility and research projects for both commercial and industry bodies. I always welcome spending time and working further with other like-minded people for the good of the industry.

NFU Energy has been involved with renewable heat prior to the RHI scheme and was involved in early promotion of RHI alongside Carbon Trust. We have consulted on over 1,200 renewable heat installations. As part of the NFU, regular contributors to consultations, WHA meetings, RHI user groups etc. we have witnessed the growth and challenges faced by the biomass industry. Throughout this time we have been advocates for biomass heat where it is applicable and strived to represent both straightforward compliance for consumers and good practice within the industry.

Alongside our project partner, Crops-For-Energy, we developed and run the Sustainable Fuel Register (SFR). SFR is an approved scheme for compliance with ongoing RHI Sustainability requirements. SFR supports all non-woody biomass fuels
including popular types such as straw and miscanthus as well as nascent materials like oat husks, coffee grounds and olive pomace. SFR therefore helps to add value to materials that would otherwise be of limited use. 

I’m keen to expand the horizons of the biomass fuel sector in conjunction with circular economy principles, through detailed technical discussions to ensure best consumer experience and continued input to policies that encourage the uptake of
sustainable biomass heat and power. By championing the right fuels for the right applications and promoting existing and developing wood fuel standards, I believe that the biomass heat industry can retain the confidence of consumers, continue to
grow and help to deliver the UK’s ambitious net zero carbon goals.

 

Terence McCracken, UK Business Development Director, Innasol

downloadFirst of all, I would consider it a personal and professional honour to be invited to serve the interests of those involved in our wood heating industry. Having had a keen interest in the renewable sector for many years, including planting my own woodland with native trees, I thoroughly enjoy working in this arena despite its considerable challenges.

In my current role as Director of Business Development with Innasol Ltd, I am certain that I know and have a professional working relationship with just about every Renewable Installer across the UK. The difficulties our installers face are
acute, the medium term strategic horizon is uncertain, and our voice must be heard at the highest level of government and its agencies.

I will commit to attending and contributing to Board meetings as required, representing the views of all Biomass Installers across the UK. Biomass heating, delivered through a well-designed system and a highly efficient biomass boiler is a wonderful solution to replacing outdated fossil fuel systems. We must encourage, cajole and persuade all our statutory agencies that the WHA, our installation partners and all those engaged in our supply chain have a leading part to play in decarbonising the UK.

 

We wish both candidates the best of luck!

WHA members – look out for the enewsletter on Monday 2nd September – you’ll be able to cast your vote using the link provided.