Disruption has been major for those nations that rely on gas supply from Russia as the Russians have chosen to cut the supply with no real warning and the supply is being cut for more than a couple of hours. A taste of the future perhaps and the consequences if we depend on energy to be supplied from far away?
Many of the communities involved with this project are rich in natural resources. They have potential to be at least part of the energy equation - be they wind, water, wood, sunlight and so on.
The North Harris Trust planted 25000 trees on 2.5ha of land at Kyles Scalpay in April 2008 as part of a trial to investigate the practicalities of growing wood crops for fuel. Similar projects are taking place at 2 other sites in the Outer Hebrides to identify the best growing conditions and techniques.
It is hoped that the first wood can be harvested in 3 years time when the willow and poplar should have grown well enough to be coppiced. It will then be suitable for drying, chipping and burning in solid fuel boilers.
Wood as fuel certainly has advantages such as being locally sustainable and carbon neutral. More trees can be grown even is areas that have had few trees in recent centuries - such as North Harris. Native trees are great for enhancing biodiversity.
The value of wood as fuel is being recognised by the Scottish Government who have released information about a £2 million scheme to increase the use of wood fuel for heating. The Scottish Biomass Heat Scheme will give grants of up to £100,000 to small and medium sized businesses to install renewable heating systems so if you know of a business in your area that may qualify click here for more information or look at www.usewoodfuel.co.uk.
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