Final call for business access to Scottish Biomass Heat Scheme funding

A final call has gone out to small and medium sized businesses and district heating initiatives across Scotland encouraging them to take advantage of Scottish Government funding that will help them make the switch to biomass heating.

But anyone interested had better apply soon because the popularity of the scheme means that there only limited funds left.

Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for the Environment & Rural Affairs, announced the final call at a Low Carbon Economy Conference held in Dunblane yesterday (2nd June).

The financial support – which is also available to develop district heating schemes – can be obtained from the Scottish Biomass Heat Scheme, administered by Forestry Commission Scotland, and must be for projects that can be completed by March 2011.

Rebecca Carr, for Forestry Commission Scotland, said: ‘This is an ideal opportunity for organisations that would like to make the change to biomass but that have been put off because they’ve not been eligible for SRDP or CARES funding.

‘It’s open to anyone in Scotland but we’re particularly keen to see more applications from the Highlands & Islands and from private developers for district heating schemes. They’ll be given priority.

‘Anyone interested has until 30th September to apply – but judging from how well this has gone so far the funds may not last that long so you’d best get your applications in soon’.

Applicants should submit an initial enquiry form that outlines their project details.

However if a project is to be considered for fast-tracking to the full assessment stage, a full application must be submitted at the outset.

Forms can be found at the Scottish Biomass Heat scheme website.

Projects must clearly demonstrate that they can be complete by March 2011 – so those with a completed specification, planning permission, match finance in place and demonstrating a secure fuel supply will be a priority for fast-tracking.

For more information contact the Scottish Biomass Heat Scheme team through the  Scottish Biomass Heat scheme website;  or by phone on 01349 860 919 .

The SBHS is funded by the Scottish Government, Forestry Commission Scotland and the European Regional Development Fund.