Report questions sustainability of UK biomass

In its report on government support for biomass, PAC questions the strength of certification schemes intended to prove that biomass used in Britain is sustainably sourced.

Some £22bn of government support has been provided to businesses and households using biomass for fuel since 2022, including £6.5bn for Drax.

Biomass is seen as a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels, provided it’s sustainably sourced, and when used in combination with carbon capture and storage technology (BECCS) is seen as essential to achieving net zero. However, questions and concerns have been raised around biomass causing significant environmental harm and whether it can be considered a low-carbon fuel.

According to the PAC’s report, the government has relied on an untested approach to make sure biomass generators are meeting sustainability criteria in return for receiving financial support. Current arrangements rely on self-reporting and third-party schemes, and neither the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) or regulator Ofgem know whether this is effective in ensuring biomass’s sustainability.