Bioenergy could play an important role in reducing UK greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, but biomass production and use will have to increase significantly. This research explores what potential there is for increasing biomass production, and how that increase could be delivered, using Yorkshire and Humberside (Y&H) as a case study. A mixed methods approach was used combining a biomass assessment, stakeholder interviews and policy analysis. Comparing the Y&H biomass potential with the regional bioenergy generation, identified biomass types with potential for greater production or use. Semi-structured interviews held with farmers, landowners, foresters, and industry experts were analysed using a framework based on Rogers’ Theory of Diffusion of Innovations. Policies to promote woodland creation and perennial energy crop (PEC) cultivation, identified from literature and the stakeholder interviews, were assessed using a policy Delphi, to produce recommendations for government action.
Energy crops have the most potential to increase biomass production in the UK, and annual energy crops (e.g. maize and grass) are popular with farmers, but cultivation of the PECs miscanthus and short rotation coppice willow has stagnated because of limited markets, competitive cereal prices, the length of commitment required, and cultural barriers. Sustainably managed woodlands can deliver carbon sequestration, and woodfuel, but barriers to creation include the permanence of planting, loss of annual farming income, expense of planting and maintenance, and cultural divisions between forestry and farming. Although a considerable volume of poultry litter is produced in the UK, bioenergy use is constrained by the competing demand for organic fertiliser, and the high capital cost of on-farm combustion.
Significant policy action will be needed in the UK to increase biomass supply. Demand side incentives could create a market for PEC biomass, support attractive long-term contracts, and stimulate growth of the full supply chain, while short term planting support could also be effective to drive adoption. Woodland creation could be driven by rewards for delivering carbon sequestration (a public good), and attractive grants to cover establishment costs and replace lost income. More information and education could overcome the traditional divide between farming and forestry. The new Environmental Land Management scheme in England (and corresponding schemes in the rest of the UK) will also be vital in delivering the landscape scale changes of land use needed to meet the UK ’s net zero targets, including the changes required to increase the domestic supply of biomass for bioenergy.
