RENEWABLE energy crops, which could boost the rural economy and reduce climate change, will be explored at a seminar at Betteshanger Colliery on Wednesday, October 2.

The Biomass Impact Event, organised by Lantra, will help businesses explore the potential of growing biomass energy crops.

Biomass is a fuel derived from any recently living organism. The most readily available in the UK is chipped wood from fast-growing short trees such as willows or hazel saplings.

The fuel can be used to power wood-fired boilers ranging from domestic applications to combined heat and power plants, with none of the carbon dioxide emissions believed to be responsible for global warming.

Contributors to the day-long event will include representatives from Bioenergy Technology Ltd, SEEDA and the Country Land & Business Association. It will also feature a visit to the Betteshanger Bioenergy Unit.

John Godden, a consultant for Lantra, said: "The aim of the seminars is to help rural business owners identify the potential in new areas such as growing biomass energy crops, to not only remain economically viable but become commercially competitive."

"The use of biomass heat has the potential to not only provide environmentally-friendly power, but to help boost the countryside economy. I strongly urge anyone interested in exploring the potential of renewable energy crops to attend."

For more details on the Biomass Impact Event and to book a place, contact John Godden on 01233 610438 or e-mail john.godden@lantra.co.uk.