Energy & Utilities Alliance has launched a Biomass Heating Group in order to provide a unified body to represent companies involved in the biomass heating industry.

Launched on 18 January, the group will be led by the Hot Water & Heating Industry Council (HHIC) and the Industrial & Commercial Energy Association (ICOM), both divisions of EUA already active within the field.

The Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC) has indicated it would welcome a single trade association with whom to negotiate and act as the collective voice.

Mike Foster, chief executive of EUA said: “EUA are forming this group as it is mutually beneficial to both our members and government. We have a proven track record in negotiating, advising and debating at this level and offer a ‘safe and well respected pair of hands.

“With over 100 years’ experience gained representing our members interests at national and European level, EUA is well placed to bring together companies working in this field.”

Roger Webb, director of HHIC added: “As the government works to achieve its renewable targets and make headway in reducing carbon emissions, biomass will become increasingly important, offering a sustainable source of energy that provides no net increase in atmospheric CO2 levels. Our members provide domestic hot water and heating solutions and have invested in biomass technologies.”

Ross Anderson, director of ICOM, agreed that many member organisations are moving to biomass to heat commercial premises, schools and hospitals.

“Our knowledge will provide the government will real life experiences to support their policy making,” he said.