WOODSURE, the quality assurance certification scheme for woodfuel, has taken over the running of the government’s Biomass Suppliers List (BSL) on behalf of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

Woodsure has worked with the current contract holder, Gemserv, to make the experience as seamless as possible for existing registered suppliers.

Bruce Allen, CEO of HETAS and Woodsure, said: “We’re delighted and very proud to be taking on the BSL work on behalf of BEIS. Woodsure is dedicated to promoting responsible, sustainable woodland management practices and quality fuel, and our experience and knowledge in the sector make this a natural step for the organisation to take.”

The BSL is a list of woodfuel that has proven it meets the eligibility requirements for the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme. It allows RHI participants to demonstrate to Ofgem that the fuel they are using in their biomass boilers meets the sustainability criteria needed to claim their RHI payments.

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The new contract brings extended helpline hours, with representatives now available from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. All current suppliers will be contacted with the new contact information.

To be authorised to join the BSL, suppliers must be able to evidence that the fuel has been produced legally and sustainably. That includes demonstrating that the greenhouse gas emissions generated from the cultivation, processing and transport of their biomass fuel are at least 60 per cent lower than the EU fossil fuel average for heat. Suppliers also need to confirm that the wood has been legally felled and that the woodland has been sustainably managed.

While BSL authorisation doesn’t currently guarantee the quality of fuel, Woodsure does make voluntary provision via a fuel quality certification scheme which is used by many BSL suppliers. As of April 2022, Woodsure will be introducing the fuel quality policy element and working closely with the advisory panel to deliver it.

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