Source · Select Committees · Business and Trade Committee
Recommendation 27
27
Deferred
Paragraph: 135
End taxpayer support for unabated bioenergy plants by 2027; restrict future subsidies to local waste biomass.
Conclusion
We believe that there should be no extension beyond 2027 for taxpayer support for unabated bioenergy plants, and that the aim should be to phase out such plants in favour of more sustainable alternatives as soon as possible. This could include bioenergy with carbon capture and storage but only in a scenario where viable and functioning carbon capture and storage is in use. Further subsidy should not be given to unabated biomass. Any future subsidies should only be provided to companies which can evidence the use of local, waste biomass and not companies that rely on imported biomass.
Government Response Summary
The government states that its energy National Policy Statements (NPSs) are undergoing a second round of consultation, after which responses will be considered, finalised, and presented to Parliament by the end of the year, deflecting the specific recommendations on bioenergy subsidies to this broader process.
Paragraph Reference:
135
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
88. The energy National Policy Statements were consulted on in 2021. They were then revised and strengthened in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine a year ago. It was right that the Government took this important step, as part of the British Energy Security Strategy, although it has required a further public consultation and an unwelcome delay in having them designated. The new NPSs were published in March for a second round of consultation. The responses will be considered by the Government after the consultation closes at the end of June, and once finalised in response to comments received, will be presented to Parliament in the autumn, to be designated before the end of this year. 18 Decarbonisation of the power sector: Government Response