UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – E3G research highlights that burning wood for biomass is unnecessary for the UK’s clean energy goals, calling for a shift towards renewable solutions.
According to the latest report from E3G, the UK can eliminate wood-burning power plants and still achieve its 2030 clean energy goals.
Is biomass burning still viable for the UK’s energy future?
The UK’s Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary, Ed Miliband, is expected to decide soon regarding the approval of billions of pounds in new public subsidies for biomass energy despite intense opposition from environmental activists.
Green campaigners have compiled years of data highlighting the environmental destruction caused by burning wood to forests and ecosystems worldwide, arguing that it is not “carbon neutral” as it takes years for trees to regrow and offset the carbon emissions produced when the wood is burned.
The government seems reluctant to let go of the power generated by biomass, which contributes 4% of the UK’s total electricity and 8% of its green energy, mainly coming from the Drax power station.
What did E3G research recommend for energy goals and savings?
According to an analysis by E3G and Baringa Partners, the energy shortfall can be covered without biomass burning, with consumers set to benefit. It also suggests that expanding offshore wind, promoting off-peak electricity use during quieter periods, and regulating gas plants could help Britain save costs and still achieve its 2030 energy goals.
The findings reveal that by adjusting the UK’s renewable energy framework, such as transferring green levies to general taxation, households could save £200 annually on electricity expenses.
What did Ed Matthew from E3G say about clean power?
Ed Matthew, UK programme director at E3G, argued that “the government can reach its 2030 clean power mission without Drax. Biomass power creates a high level of global warming emissions and is not clean.”
He supported green hydrogen as the ideal long-term backup power solution and called for immediate action to accelerate its development.
Mr Matthew added, “The government must re-engineer our power policies to make them fit for a renewables-based future.”
Should Drax continue to receive public subsidies for biomass burning and why are Labour MPs unhappy?
Once the UK’s biggest coal-fired plant, Drax has shifted to biomass electricity by burning wood. The company’s subsidies for its biomass operations are set to last until 2027, with Drax asking for an extension.
Greenpeace reports reveal that by 2027, Drax will have received £11bn in public subsidies, about £2m a day. The final decision on extending these payments depends on Mr. Miliband.
Several Labour MPs have raised concerns about the potential for further payments to Drax. Paul McNamee, director of the Labour Climate and Environment Forum, stated that “the push for green hydrogen as the most cost-efficient backup power underscores Labour’s energy priorities. He suggested it should give pause to any decision to continue subsidies for Drax, the UK’s biggest carbon emitter.”
Why did Drax dispute the E3G report findings?
In response to the report, Drax rejected its findings, accusing the authors of bias. A spokesperson highlighted a separate study by Baringa, which argued Drax’s plans could have positive economic effects for the UK.
The spokesperson said the “report fails to consider the benefits of Drax’s low-carbon power generation and lacks a cost-benefit analysis.” It added that “biomass has sometimes provided more power than solar and wind combined, playing a crucial role in UK energy security, supplying power to 4 million homes regardless of the weather.”
What did the Department for Energy Security say about biomass subsidies?
A spokesperson for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero stated, “Subsidies for biomass generators will end in 2027, and we are reviewing evidence on the case for potential support beyond this.
The government expects biomass generators to meet all rules, ensuring accountability.