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UK bioenergy policy piecemeal
UK bioenergy policy piecemeal The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee (Efracom) has accused the Government of showing “a lack of ambition” in its policy on bioenergy.
The criticism was made in a report published by Efracom last month, entitled ‘Climate change: the role of bioenergy’. In the introduction, the MPs go further, branding the UK’s approach “piecemeal and so lacking in ambition as to raise questions about the extent of the Government’s commitment to its domestic climate change agenda”.
The Committee is concerned that, by aiming to have five per cent of road transport fuelled by bioethanol and biodiesel by 2010, the Government is focusing disproportionately on biofuels, when it should also be offering support for renewable heat and electricity produced from biomass.
The report also states that “concerted and sustained investment” is needed to support the development of ‘advanced’ or ‘second generation’ biofuels, which exploit organic waste such as wood chips or chicken litter, and could offer much greater carbon savings in the future than current biofuels. An area of particular priority is research into producing synthetic kerosene from biomass, which could be used in aviation.
Efracom chairman Michael Jack MP said: “With prizes such as a green aviation fuel, ten per cent of our road fuels produced from renewable sources and the production of one per cent of the nation’s heat demand from waste wood, the Government has got to show a much greater commitment, coherence and enthusiasm in the way it develops its bioenergy policies.
“For a nation that prides itself on its international leadership role on the climate change agenda, it’s not acceptable for Britain to lag behind so many other countries in the way that it is embracing bioenergy.
“With Government a major user of energy in its own right, it must now lead by example and demonstrate to the rest of country the full potential of Britain’s bioenergy industry.”
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has made it clear that UK farmers are well positioned to respond to a growing demand for bioenergy.
In a speech to the Renewable Energy Association, last month, NFU president Peter Kendall dispelled the idea that using land to grow energy crops would have a detrimental effect on food production.
He said: “Farmers and growers are ready and able to meet the challenges of renewable energy and take advantage of new market opportunities, with land now able to produce fuel as well as food.
“With fuel security high on people’s agendas, this is our chance to make a positive contribution to mitigating climate change and improving the environment.” He added: “Provided we make the most of the potential, there is enough land for us to produce the cereals and oilseeds demanded by the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation, without any damaging impact on levels of food production.
“The key is to focus on smart solutions with more research in new technology and science to ensure a sustainable environmental footprint.” Kendal added: “We need a long term vision from Government with the industry being led by demand with new planning guidelines and public procurement paving the way. I want to see carbon dioxide accounting made simple and practical with successful examples to show farmers what has been achieved elsewhere.
“Only with a long term vision can the industry succeed in providing a sustainable and secure supply of renewable home-grown energy.” Discuss this article
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