Biomass energy report criticised

[Henk Elegeert]

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  Biomass energy report criticised

Biomass, which sees crops grown for use as environmentally friendly
fuels, should be used to generate heat, a year-long task force study
concluded.

But critics say the recommendations do not go far enough as energy
suppliers are not required to source a percentage of heating fuel from
renewable sources.

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) said it is "bitterly
disappointed" at the conclusions.

Last year the Biomass Task Force was set up to stimulate renewable energy.

Material like willow, poplar, sawdust, straw, and wood from forests are
all suitable for use as a renewable energy source.

The Biomass Task Force has unveiled 42 recommendations, including a call
for the introduction of capital grants to fund more biomass heating boilers.

The Chairman of the task force, Sir Ben Gill, presented the findings of
the year-long study to Defra and the DTI, whose secretaries of state
jointly commissioned the report.

[ Supporting renewable heat is going to be critical in the fight against
climate change Katie Elliott Friends of the Earth ]


Sir Ben said: "What many see as tomorrow's fuel is here today. We
estimate there could be 20m tonnes of biomass available annually.

"The challenge for the government now is to unlock this vast potential.

"We have suggested several ways to develop this industry which has a
vital role in climate change, sustainable development throughout the
country and economic activity in rural areas."

But the CLA criticised the task force's conclusion that a Renewable Heat
Obligation would be "unworkable".

A Renewable Heat Obligation would require energy suppliers to source a
percentage of heating fuel from a range of renewable sources, such as
willow, straw, solar power and ground heat.

Mark Hudson, CLA president, said: "Our ageing nuclear power plants mean
that our future energy supply is uncertain.

Astonished

"Renewable heat offers a far greater carbon saving at a much lower cost
than renewable electricity.

"With this backdrop, we are astonished that the Biomass Task Force is
rejecting the Renewable Heat Obligation model."

And Friends of the Earth said that without a renewable heat obligation
firms will be unwilling to invest in biomass technology and farmers
would be less likely to plant slow growing biomass crops, the group said.

Friends of the Earth Climate Campaigner Katie Elliott said: "Supporting
renewable heat is going to be critical in the fight against climate change.

"The government is struggling to meet its carbon dioxide targets and
should be listening to the very businesses and farmers who will be
investing in renewable heat.

Biomass drawbacks?

"An obligation would promote sustainable technologies across the board
which is ultimately what we need."

But the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds warned that biomass
crops may not be the environmental panacea that many consider it to be.

Instead of helping to cut the greenhouse gas emissions that are causing
climate change, their conversion to vehicle fuel may worsen the problem
by increasing emissions, the group said.

Ministers hoped the task force, which was set up by the government,
would help the UK to meet its targets for using renewable energy.

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/sci/tech/4375062.stm

Published: 2005/10/25 12:56:38 GMT

© BBC MMV
"

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