The Assessment of Appliances and Fuels contract will run until March 31 2020, covering the requirements of sections 20 and 21 of the Clean Air Act 1993 and other associated sections. Following this period, there will be an option to extend the contract for a further two years.

Under current legislation, the Clean Air Act 1993 controls smoke and emissions from domestic and small industrial sources and gives local authorities powers to create smoke control areas. In designated smoke control areas, it is an offence to emit smoke from the chimney of a building or acquire an ‘unauthorised fuel’ unless it is used on an ‘exempt’ appliance. 

The contract is a perfect fit for HETAS, the specialist organisation which approves biomass and solid fuel heating appliances, fuels and services. Led by chief executive Bruce Allen, HETAS will provide the assessment of fuels and appliances for use in smoke control areas across the UK throughout the set period.

Mr Allen said: “We are delighted to have won this contract, allowing us to extend our work alongside Defra. The Clean Air Act 1993 is vital in addressing the needs of environment in the UK, and the Assessment of Appliances and Fuels is something HETAS places in high regard. To be managing this in conjunction with Defra is extremely important to us. We would also like to acknowledge the excellent work of the outgoing contractor Ricardo Energy and Environment, which has done a great job.”