News-NAFI (National Asssociation  of Forest Industries)
Federal Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane’s announcement that a $100 million fund will be in place to support cutting-edge renewable energy technology development has been welcomed by the National Association of Forest Industries
Wood waste can be used as an important and cost-effective source of renewable energy. Existing forestry and sawmilling operations generated around seven million tonnes of wood waste which could be used as biomass for energy generation.

The Renewable Energy Development Initiative (REDI) will provide matching competitive grants worth between $50,000 and $5 million to Australian businesses developing renewable energy projects with significant greenhouse gas abatement potential.
Mr Macfarlane said the initiative, which is administered jointly by the Department of Industry Tourism and Resources and the Department of the Environment and Heritage, delivered on a key commitment set out in the 2004 Energy White Paper.
“Renewable energy technology plays an important role in our energy mix and is a key element of Australia’s overall greenhouse response in the energy sector.
“REDI will support renewable energy projects from early stage R&D right through to commercialisation – helping to develop an internationally competitive renewable energy industry in Australia,” he said.
Renewable energy technologies are defined as direct or enabling technologies developed for the purpose of deriving sustainable energy.
This can be derived from the sun; wind; geothermal; biomass (not fossil fuels); hydro systems; wave, tidal and ocean energy; or any other renewable energy source approved by the Australian Greenhouse Office.
Environment Minister, Senator Ian Campbell, said Australia was acutely aware of the environmental benefits of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and industry was responding well to the greenhouse challenge
“The Government’s investment in renewable energy initiatives to date is expected to reduce emissions by around seven million tonnes each year. I’d like to think that in a few years a REDI-funded project will boost that figure even further,” he said.