Over £20bn in support for businesses and households using biomass (such as plants or food waste) for fuel has been provided by Government since 2002. In combination with carbon capture, usage and storage, the Government is relying on the use of biomass to make a significant contribution to reaching its legally-mandated target of reaching net zero by 2050. In 2022, 11% of UK electricity was generated from biomass, with 6.4% of its heat stemming from the same source in 2021.
The National Audit Office found in 2024 that Government was unable to demonstrate that current arrangements are adequate to provide confidence that the industry is meeting sustainability standards. It reported that Government is currently relying on a combination of information provided by generators themselves, third-party schemes and limited-assurance audit reports. The NAO report noted that, for biomass to fulfil its role in contributing to net zero, the Government must be confident that the industry meets high standards of sustainability.
In an evidence session informed by the NAO report, the Committee will hear from senior officials at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), with likely topics for discussion including:
- Clarity on assurance around sustainability;
- The current picture on biomass’ role in generating heat and power for the UK; and
- Government support for the deployment of biomass.
If you have evidence on these issues please submit it here by 23:59 on 13 February 2025.
Please look at the requirements for written evidence submissions and note that the Committee cannot accept material as evidence that is published elsewhere.