The Wood Recyclers’ Association (WRA) has today (October 23) welcomed the findings of an independent review commissioned by the government on Greenhouse Gas Removals (GGR), and in particular, its clear recommendation that the government should extend support for waste wood-powered biomass plants that have potential to deliver GGRs.
Led by former minister, Dr Alan Whitehead CBE, the review considers how options for GGRs, including large scale bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), can assist the UK in meeting its net zero targets and sets out recommendations for the government.
Importantly, the review calls for ‘urgent’ consideration of extending support for the waste wood biomass sector following the expiry of the ROCs subsidy scheme from 2027, due to their important role in managing waste and their potential to transition to GGRs.
Notably, the review advocates (P173) the ‘extension of unabated electricity generation support to cover a sufficient period that would enable the switch to power BECCS.’
It also highlights the urgent need for ‘improved collaboration between government departments’ at Defra and DESNZ and calls for Defra to take a lead in determining the future of these plants, due to its responsibility for waste management.
Richard Coulson, Chair of the WRA’s biomass advocacy group, said: “We welcome this landmark review and all the hard work put in by Dr Alan Whitehead, David Joffe and their team.
“The message in the review is clear – if the government is serious about greenhouse gas removals and effective waste management, then it must look at providing transitional support for the waste wood biomass sector and fast-track non pipeline transport solutions.
“These plants have the potential to save 3.6 million tonnes a year of CO2 if retrofitted with GGRs, making a vital contribution to net zero, in addition to delivering renewable, baseload energy and providing an important environmental service.
“But this potential can only be unlocked if the government supports the sector to transition to BECCS before it is too late, and these valuable assets are lost.
“We look forward to the government’s response and hope these recommendations are reflected in urgent and supportive policy for our sector.”