EAST Hampshire District Council (EHDC) has continued its exploration into the merits of wood-burning energy centres with a visit to a pellet manufacturer.

Adam Carew, the district council’s portfolio holder for the environment, toured Verdo Renewables Ltd in Andover to discover the process of making wood pellets and briquettes that can be used in heat production.

This is the second such visit after Mr Carew and officers visited a wood fuel hub in Lasham in October.

Mr Carew said: “We are determined to make East Hampshire District Council one of the most environmentally-friendly councils in the UK. We cannot continue to rely on fossil fuels which are environmentally unsustainable.

“Wood fuel is becoming an increasingly mainstream solution to providing heat for large buildings or even groups of buildings.”

Mr Carew continued: “My visit to Verdo Renewables Ltd has further strengthened our partnerships with successful businesses already in the wood fuel market. Understanding further Verdos’ wood pellet manufacturing process has reinforced my view of the potential of a wood fuel hub in East Hampshire.”

“East Hampshire is uniquely placed in the fact we are the second most wooded county in England. With the Forestry Commission headquarters up the road at Alice Holt, Ministry of Defence, National Trust lands and the national park surrounding the town, there is a huge opportunity to create a wood fuel hub in Whitehill and Bordon.

“This could bring jobs and apprenticeships as well as bringing woodland and heathland back into sustainable management. We are already discussing exciting commercial possibilities further with potential clients and partners.”

James Little, business development manager for Verdo Renewables Limited, said: “At Verdo Renewables we are excited about the opportunity of working with local authorities such as East Hampshire District Council.

“Not only are we uniquely placed due to the abundance of woodland in Hampshire, but our pellet factory is the only producer of wood pellets for boilers in England. This gives residents and businesses a great opportunity to benefit from locally sourced and produced renewable energy which also contributes to the local economy.”