United Kingdom – The government has launched a consultation on how to support the development of biomass energy generation with associated carbon capture in the UK over the next decade.
In order to support the growth of biomass energy generation with associated carbon capture in the UK over the ensuing ten years, the government has opened a consultation.
The BECCS (Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage) technology uses biomass, a sustainable plant material, to produce energy while storing the carbon released during the process using CCUS technology. Because the carbon dioxide absorbed during the growth of the biomass can then be permanently removed from the atmosphere using carbon capture technologies, this offers the possibility to produce domestic energy with “negative emissions” – removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
The consultation, which was just launched, seeks opinions on how the government can support new job opportunities across the nation, including industrial clusters developing carbon capture networks, while also supporting private investment to help accelerate the development of this nascent industry and help improve Britain’s energy security.
Following the government funding of £37 million given to creative biomass projects throughout the UK earlier this month, a consultation was launched today.
Greenhouse gas removal
The term “biomass” refers to plant material that has been harvested sustainably and can be burned to create energy for lighting and heating buildings. Biomass will play a significant role in the UK’s future mix of renewable energy, which is supported by the independent Climate Change Committee and is essential for ensuring the UK’s energy security and reducing reliance on pricey fossil fuels. Enough renewable energy is produced by biomass to power 4 million homes.
The Net Zero Strategy outlines a commitment to support the role of greenhouse gas removal technology, including the goal of removing 5 million tonnes of greenhouse gases annually from the atmosphere by 2030. This commitment is reflected in the consultation that was just launched. Additionally, it expands upon the Expression of Interest for projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that was released earlier this year as a part of the government’s program for carbon capture and storage.
Carbon-free system
Power BECCS offers a significant opportunity to produce negative emissions, which will be essential to balancing emissions from some of the industries that will be hardest to decarbonize, like the agriculture and aviation sectors. Additionally, it can improve energy security and aid in the delivery of a completely carbon-free power system by 2035.
The consultation, which will last until October, will gather feedback on our initial suggestions, including the key components of the business model and the steps the government can take to facilitate the wide-scale adoption of this technology. These include measures to promote the growth of this industry and address any potential investment barriers.
