UK Biomass Strategy announced

The Biomass Strategy 2023 sets out the role sustainable biomass can play in reaching net-zero.

Biomass is any biological mass that can be used as energy and accounts for 8.6% of energy supply, according to Professor Paul Monks, UK Department of Energy Security and Net Zero Chief Scientific Advisor.

This strategy adds another layer to the UK's search for net-zero, as well as raising questions over biomass' sustainability.

Monks points out, ‘It is imperative that biomass is sourced and used sustainably. This requires clear criteria for what constitutes sustainable biomass and implementing robust monitoring, verification, and reporting processes.’ The strategy is hoping to review and strengthen the criteria of biomass.

The UK Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Graham Stuart, stresses the importance of scaling up supply while also highlighting the UK’s current position.

‘Biomass is already a key component of our energy supply, with bioenergy generating 11% of total electricity supply in 2022…Another challenge is the scaling up of domestic biomass supply, without compromising food security. That’s why the government has awarded £36mln to projects across two phases of the Biomass Feedstocks Innovation Programme, funding innovative ideas that address barriers to domestic production’.

The strategy comes against the backdrop of the 2021 Biomass policy statement and the Powering up Britain strategy.