Government sets out plans for exploiting biomass as carbon-neutral energy resource

Government plans to exploit the potential for renewable energy have been published in a report launched by ministers from Defra and the DTI. It is the Government’s response to the Biomass Task Force, which made a series of recommendations in October 2005. The plan accepts that energy from crops, trees and waste can make a strong contribution to reducing greenhouse-gas emissions. Among 12 key measures are a capital-grant scheme for biomass boilers, the establishment of a biomass energy centre to provide expert information and advice, further grant support for biomass supply chains and a commitment to consider biomass heating in Government buildings. The Government accepts that biomass is particularly suited for generating heat, though the action plans makes it clear that electricity generated from biomass and CHP is also an important part of its future. Lord Bach, Defra’s Minister for Sustainable Farming & Food, said, ‘There is enormous potential in biomass to generate renewable energy to help the environment and to provide another possible market for our farmers. This action plan provides us with a clear path forwards. It has been drawn up by a cross-Government team, building on the excellent work done by the Biomass Task Force.’ Minister for Energy Malcolm Wicks, adds, ‘The plans we are announcing and the biomass strategy that is being developed will supplement incentives such as the DTI’s low-carbon building programme and the bio-energy capital-grants scheme to further increase the use of biomass technology.’



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