Gildernew visits Wood Energy visitors’ centre

Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA, today visited the Wood Energy Visitors’ Centre at Brook Hall Estate on the outskirts of Derry.

The Wood Energy Visitors' Centre is managed by Rural Generation Ltd and is recognised as a ‘Centre of Excellence’, demonstrating wood fuel in a range of applications. It consists of conference facilities, office accommodation and exhibitions on wood energy, pellets and other energy crops from biomass.

Following a guided tour of the facilities the Minister said: “I was very interested to hear how developing sustainable energy is vital to our economic, environmental and social wellbeing, and is fundamental to our future sustained growth and prosperity.

“At a time when there is a heightened awareness of environmental issuesand the benefits ofrenewable energy, the Wood Energy Visitors’ Centre providesa greatopportunity for local people to learn about the benefits of wood energy. The Centre uses wood pellet room heaters and a wood fuelled boiler system to provide heat thus demonstrating the effective use of wood as a fuel for space and water heating.”

The Minister concluded: “In September 2008, my Department established an Agricultural Stakeholder Forum on Renewable Energy. The purpose of the Forum is to facilitate the review of the Department’s Renewable Energy Action Plan and to advise on a short to medium term Departmental strategy for renewable energy. I look forward to receiving their advice and recommendations which will inform a refreshed Departmental strategy on renewable energy. I would encourage farmers to put to good use the opportunities available and reap the environmental and economic benefits of renewable energy.”

Notes to Editors:

1. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, telephone 028 9052 4619. Out of hours, contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440, and your call will be returned.