THIRD ROUND OF THE SBHS
A third round of the SBHS was announced by Jim Mather, Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism in the Scottish Parliament on 25th November 2009.
The closing date for the third round is 12th February 2010.
SBHS - BACKGROUND
Download the SBHS Factsheet (pdf 80kb)
On 6th October 2008, the Scottish Government launched its Renewable Energy Framework consultation and announced it would run a round of funding for biomass, specifically to encourage renewable heat use by businesses and in district heating demonstrators. This has been followed by the Renewable Heat Action Plan launched on 5th November 2009.
The £3.3 million Scottish Biomass Heat Scheme is Scotland-wide, funded by Scottish Government, Forestry Commission Scotland and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Of this, £1.3 million is available in the Highlands & Islands area and £2 million in the Lowlands & Uplands Scotland area.
The SBHS provides grants for the installation of biomass heating systems in business premises and district heating demonstrators. The SBHS will support for small-medium sized enterprises, and is restricted to heat-only biomass applications. The Scottish Government would particularly welcome applications for district heating demonstrators from private developers.
Key drivers are:
• increased take-up of renewable heat use by businesses;
• the strategic transformation of the Scottish woodfuel market;
• supporting rural economies by creating sustainable green jobs;
• contributing to renewable energy targets;
• maximising carbon savings.
Priority will be given to businesses who are not eligible for other funding streams, such as the Scotland Rural Development Programme. Communities and local authorities are eligible for the Communities and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) and will not be considered under the SBHS. Please see below for further information on alternative funding schemes or contact Forestry Commission Scotland’s Biomass Advice Network.
We would strongly recommend discussing your project at an early stage with our Regional Biomass Advice Network. You can either contact them directly or complete our ‘Initial Enquiry’ form, which asks for brief details of your proposal. Our network of Biomass Development Officers will be able to advise you on the suitability of your project for the SBHS and other sources of advice and support which may be available.
Please note that submission of an Initial Enquiry Form does NOT constitute an application to the scheme. Full application forms, which are available to download here, must be completed and submitted by the closing date of 12th February 2010 to be considered for the third round of the SBHS. Our Biomass Development Officers provide advice and information to help you with this process.
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INITIAL ENQUIRIES
Please complete the Initial Enquiry Form (Word, 280kb) and submit by email or post to:
SBHS Administration
Forestry Commission Scotland,
"Woodlands"
Fodderty Way
Dingwall
IV15 9XB
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01349 860919
On receipt of a completed form you will be contacted by one of our network of Biomass Development Officers and/or other relevant member our Regional Biomass Advice Network to discuss your proposal further.
Please note that following submission of an Initial Enquiry, a full application form must be submitted to be considered for the SBHS.
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