Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Acknowledged
Sustainable biomass supply faces limitations, raising concerns about UK energy security.
Conclusion
One of the key themes of the government’s Biomass Strategy concerns the future availability of biomass.39 In 2021, the UK imported 9.1 million tonnes of wood pellets for use in energy production. Around 60% came from the US, 18% from the EU and 16% from Canada.40 DESNZ describes itself as agnostic as to whether biomass is sourced domestically or from overseas.41 The Climate Change Committee’s (CCC’s) most recent advice for Carbon Budget 7 highlights that supply of sustainable biomass is likely to be limited both in the UK and globally.42 We also received a written submission noting that relying on imported wood reduces the UK’s energy security.43 The CCC anticipates a declining role for biomass imports, with all the UK’s biomass demand being met from domestic sources by 2050.44
Government Response Summary
DESNZ officials continue to monitor the international and domestic biomass supply landscape, but state that international pellet supply will continue to be vital, as UK biomass pellet production at a comparable scale would not be possible.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
5.2 DESNZ officials continue to monitor the international and domestic biomass supply landscape, ensuring that the government is abreast of changes to regulatory arrangements, market dynamics, and other factors that drive the supply of and demand for pellets. 5.3 However, it is important to note that international pellet supply will continue to be vital to the delivery of UK electricity generation in the coming years. Most pellets used in the UK are sourced from the United States, where the availability of plentiful secondary materials and residue for pellet production - coupled with a robust, efficient supply chain - ensures that a reliable supply of pellets is available to meet the needs of UK generators. 5.4 Biomass pellet production at a comparable scale would not be possible in the UK given the size and productivity of available forest resources. 5.5 However, smaller-scale biomass generators can continue to be supplied by a variety of domestically sourced feedstock including wood waste, poultry litter and agricultural waste. These waste feedstocks provide a reliable source of domestic biomass supply but are not suitable for the technologies currently used by larger-scale generators.