Biomass set to grow

The Government has today published an action plan to unlock the potential for renewable energy in biomass.

The plan says that energy from crops, trees and waste can make a strong contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and sets out 12 key ways to make this happen.

Measures include a capital grant scheme for biomass boilers, the establishment of a new Biomass Energy Centre to provide expert information and advice, along with further grant support for biomass supply chains and a commitment to consider using biomass heating in Government buildings.

The report, launched by Ministers from Defra and the DTI, forms the Government's response to the Biomass Task Force, which made a package of recommendations in October.

Its main argument, that biomass is particularly suited for generating heat, is accepted by the Government, though the action plan makes clear that electricity generated from biomass and combined heat and power (CHP) are also an important part of its future.