This call for evidence will contribute to a review of the potential for biomass to support the UK’s net zero target.
Objectives of the consultation
Since the 2012 bioenergy strategy, biomass has played a prominent role in the UK's efforts to decarbonise the economy. However, the context within which biomass is used has changed and the Government is reviewing where sustainable biomass can best be used to meet the UK’s net zero target.
The Government was seeking evidence and views on:
- availability of sustainable biomass from domestic and international sources,
- potential end uses to support our net zero target in the context of availability of sustainable biomass feedstocks,
- the sustainability of the supply chain and opportunities for strengthening existing criteria,
- accounting of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from biomass use,
- bioenergy with carbon capture and storage technology and its potential applications to deliver negative emissions,
- opportunities for innovation to support wider deployment of technologies with potential to support the net zero target.
This call for evidence concluded on 15 June 2021.
The information and evidence received from stakeholders will be used to inform policy development in the growing area of biomass and will directly contribute to the development of the upcoming Biomass Strategy.
Supporting papers
To download the consultation document, follow the link below.
CIBSE response
CIBSE is grateful for the opportunity to respond to this call for evidence relating to sustainable use of biomass in the UK. CIBSE supports the development of Government strategies which are holistic, adopt a systems based approach and do not allow pursuit of one policy objective to the clear detriment of another. In the case of biomass it is important that measures of its sustainability address a range of factors including greenhouse gas emissions and air quality. It is important to note that biomass installations in urban environments have a negative impact on air quality both directly due to the particulate emissions from the biomass burners, and indirectly due to the emissions associated with fuel delivery. CIBSE considers that there are limited large scale and rural application of biomass which may meet sustainability criteria and not compromise air quality.
To read the full CIBSE response, follow the link below.