WRA asks UK government to support smaller biomass plants after new Drax subsidy

The Wood Recyclers’ Association has called for urgent clarity over future support for waste wood-powered biomass plants after the government acknowledged the important role that the technology has to play.
In a written statement, Energy Minister Michael Shanks announced support for large-scale biomass plants, including Drax, to transition to carbon capture and storage technology – but excluded smaller-scale biomass plants, such as those fuelled by waste wood.
Richard Coulson, chair of the WRA, said: “Yesterday’s statement by the Energy Minister acknowledges the important role biomass has to play in our energy system both now and in the future.
“Unfortunately, the statement provides no clarity on when similar transitional support arrangements will be offered to biomass generators below the 100MW threshold.
“The UK has a fleet of regional biomass generators with the capacity to compliantly manage 3 million tonnes of our wood waste a year which might otherwise be exported or sent to landfill.
“When combined with the additional volume of other domestic residues which they recover such as poultry litter, then we realise a recovery capacity of 4.6 million tonnes of our own domestic waste. This resource is then recovered to produce 5.4TWh of secure, low carbon energy, sufficient for 1.5 million homes.
“The statement acknowledges that biomass generation helps ensure low carbon security of supply in an affordable manner. It also says that sustainability standards will be strengthened to help build confidence in the sector. The WRA welcomes this approach, as while our members do not have such sustainability concerns from only using our domestic residues as a fuel, for too long our sector has been tarnished with the same concerns and debate.
“Like large scale biomass generation, WRA biomass members provide low carbon energy security for the UK while also delivering in terms of sustainability and providing an essential environmental service. In handling millions of tonnes of residues each year, we also deliver greater value for money.
“It’s critical now that small scale biomass generators are supported with transitional support as they fall out of the RO from 2027.
“With this support, our members can transition to BECCS capturing around 4 million tonnes of carbon per year - equivalent to 17% of the government’s 2035 emissions reduction target.”