Farming: Industrial crops: energy
The drivers for bio-energy
The UK has a legally binding target under the Kyoto Protocol to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 12.5% below 1990 levels by 2008-2012. It also has a further domestic goal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions (one of the main greenhouse gases) by 20% below 1990 levels by 2010.
In 2003, the Government published the Energy White Paper, which sets out the Government's long-term goal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by some 60% from current levels by about 2050, with significant progress by 2020.
The UK is on course to achieve the Kyoto target but needs to do more to get back on track to meet the domestic targets.
Biomass energy sources are virtually carbon neutral over their life cycle. When used instead of fossil fuels in heat and electricity generation and the production of transport biofuels, they have the potential to make a significant contribution to reductions in emissions of carbon dioxide.
The Government is aiming to achieve 10% of the UK's electricity through renewable sources by 2010. The longer-term ambition is to double this target to 20% by 2020. Biomass has the potential to supply 6% of UK electricity and heat demand by 2020.
The Government is supporting the embryo industry with a package of measures to develop the supply of biomass and create end-use markets. Despite this support, there are issues that make it difficult to build the confidence which the industry needs before it will invest in biomass energy.
The Government therefore commissioned an independent year-long Biomass Task Force to identify the barriers to developing the industry and to recommend ways to overcome the problems. Their report was published in October 2005. The Government’s response, published in April 2006, sets out 12 key ways to develop the industry A number of the initiatives have already begun.
For transport biofuels, the Government intends to introduce a Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation. This will require the major oil companies and importers to ensure that a growing proportion of their fuel sales are from a renewable source. By 2010, that proportion will be 5%. The Government will look to move beyond 5% when EU fuel standards allow, and subject to costs being acceptable to the consumer.
Useful links
Defra
External links
Further information
Defra helpline – 08459 33 55 77
Page last modified: 30 October 2007
Page published: 1 July 2006