More money to help businesses, farmers and communities in the region convert to green energy is now available from Woodfuel East - and will assist in the installation of fuel-efficient, wood chip boilers.

Woodfuel East is supported under the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA), Defra and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

Edwin van Ek, Manager of Woodfuel East, said:

"Community groups, farmers, landowners, tourism projects and rural businesses can apply for funding of up to 40 per cent towards the installation of modern, wood-chip boilers.

"These boilers can use locally-produced fuel and provide a green, sustainable and renewable source of energy."

David Sillett, Rural Development Manager of EEDA, added:

"EEDA is delighted that Rural Development Programme for England funding can be made available for boiler installations through Woodfuel East.

Although the funding for boiler installations is at the present limited, we hope that further funding can be made available in the near future.

The Woodfuel East initiative is co-ordinated by the Forestry Commission, and it aims to increase the region's woodfuel production by creating a sustainable supply chain from landowners through to woodchip users.