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· The
Renewable Energy Association has launched a major new review of
the future of bioenergy in the UK.
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· The
new review follows the Committee on Climate Change’s estimate
that bioenergy could provide up to 15% of UK energy by
2050.
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· REA
requests inputs from experts in industry, academia and
NGOs.
The REA has launched a far-reaching review into the future of
bioenergy in the UK. Bioenergy is energy generated from bio-based
fuels, such as wood pellets and biodiesel.
The review comes shortly after the Committee on Climate Change
(CCC) estimated bioenergy’s contribution to UK total energy could
more than double by 2050. The International Energy Agency (IEA)
described bioenergy as ‘the overlooked giant of renewables’.
The review is expected to form a new policy strategy for
government and industry, outlining how bioenergy can fulfil its
long-term potential in a low-carbon energy mix.
It will provide a comprehensive up-to-date assessment of the
current role of bioenergy and the potential it has in meeting
carbon targets by the year 2032, when the UK’s final carbon
budget will draw to a close. The Strategy will also look at
bioenergy’s role in meeting the UK’s 2050 targets for
decarbonisation.
The publication of the REA’s Bioenergy Strategy will come two
years after the long-awaited first review of the Government’s
2012 Bioenergy Strategy was expected.
To launch the review, the REA is seeking stakeholder and expert
views on the future and potential of bioenergy through their Call
for Evidence, hosted at https://www.bioenergy-strategy.com/.
Industry, academic specialists, NGOs and political stakeholders –
as well as the wider public – are invited to submit evidence to
the review.
Adam Brown, independent author for the Bioenergy
Strategy report, commented:
“Bioenergy has been at the heart of the move to renewable
energy in the UK. It currently provides the largest share of
renewable energy, both globally and in the UK.
“Many of the policies which have helped spur the growth of
bioenergy are now coming to an end and the energy markets and
technologies have advanced significantly. So it’s time for an
update of the UK’s strategy.
We want to explore the role of bioenergy and how public
policy and industry practice need to change if we’re to get the
most out of this sector. We’re looking at everything from
sustainability and air quality to economic value and its ability
to cut energy bills.
“We’re very keen to hear from all stakeholders with expertise
in bioenergy issues, which is why we’ve launched with a broad
Call for Evidence.”
Dr Nina Skorupska CBE, Chief Executive of the Renewable Energy
Association commented:
“Bioenergy is already a major part of British life.
It’s our largest source of renewable heat, second largest source
of renewable power and is a key solution to decarbonising
transport today and into the future.
“It’s been central to the UK’s progress in cutting its carbon
emissions.
“For bioenergy to fulfil its potential long into the future,
we need a strong evidence base, expert inputs from industry and
real political will.
“That’s why we’ve launched this review and invited all
stakeholders to contribute their expertise.”
—ENDS—
Notes to editors
