Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 12
12
Acknowledged
Consultation on new biomass sustainability framework and 100% target remains delayed.
Conclusion
In its Biomass Strategy, published in August 2023, DESNZ committed to develop and consult on a common sustainability framework which could be applied to all new future biomass schemes across different sectors of the economy. This consultation has yet to be launched, although DESNZ assured us that it would happen at some point in 2025.25 The strategy also committed DESNZ to consider whether it should strengthen the land criteria in its support schemes so that 100% of woody biomass would have to be sustainably sourced, rather than the 70% stipulated by the existing government support schemes.26 DESNZ and Ofgem both agree that if the threshold for sustainable biomass moved from 70% to 100%, then the assurance regime would also need to be tighter.27 Any changes will have resource implications for Ofgem. It assured that it could gear up with the necessary skills, “subject [to support from] DESNZ and Treasury “.28 The NAO’s experience of auditing other areas of government highlights how gaining assurance over more stringent rules requires a commitment of more resources to monitoring and compliance.29 19 Q 13 20 Q 13 21 Q 14 22 Qq 18–19 23 Q 18 24 Qq 18–19 25 Q 8 26 C&AG’s Report, para 11 27 Qq 14, 20 28 Q 15 29 C&AG’s Report, para 11 11
Government Response Summary
The government has been actively assessing its approach to sustainability assurance as part of a commitment to continuous improvement and to learn from international best practice and evolving international regulatory frameworks.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
1.2 The government has been actively assessing its approach to sustainability assurance as part of a commitment to continuous improvement. As part of this commitment, the government is reflecting carefully on all current evaluation and audit processes, and incorporating relevant lessons learned into our plans for the new contract with Drax (and the Common Framework consultation) as part of a commitment to continuous improvement in the sustainability regime for biomass and associated monitoring and assurance. The government has identified opportunities to strengthen this regime ahead of signing the new contract and 28 actively seeks to learn from international best practice and evolving international regulatory frameworks.