Members of Parliament in the UK have voiced concerns over the allocation of funding for biomass-produced electricity, urging a halt until the technology's environmental impact is thoroughly assessed and proven to be sustainable.
In a report published by The Times, Conservative MPs caution against extending subsidies to biomass plants, citing potential risks of financial burden on taxpayers. The report highlights growing doubts regarding the sustainability of biomass, particularly from wood-burning, and calls for a comprehensive review to explore wind and solar energy as potentially more viable alternatives.
Drax, a prominent biomass operator, has received substantial public subsidies, exceeding £6 billion (€6.9 billion). With discussions underway regarding the continuation of taxpayer support post-2027, Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho is deliberating over official recommendations, contingent upon a proposed cap on total payments.
Coutinho emphasizes the need for enhanced reassurance regarding the value for money in biomass investments and is reportedly pushing for stricter sustainability criteria, aiming for 100% sustainability in wood sourcing, up from the current 70%.
A report commissioned by the Conservative Environment Network echoes these sentiments, urging policymakers not to renew subsidies unless the environmental and financial sustainability of biomass technology is unequivocally demonstrated.
“Key questions remain unanswered about the environmental impact of bioenergy generators and their financial sustainability,” the report emphasizes.
Selaine Saxby, among 32 MPs and peers endorsing the report, underscores the public's concerns over substantial subsidies allocated to wood biomass energy generation despite lingering doubts about its environmental implications.
