Report: Climate Change: Bioenergy - UK

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The Biosciences Federation was founded in 2002 in order to create a single authority within the life sciences that decision-makers are able to consult for opinion and information to assist the formulation of public policy. It brings together the strengths of 39 member organisations, including the Institute of Biology, UK, which represents 42 additional affiliated societies. The organisations that have already joined the Biosciences Federation is a registered charity (no. 1103894).

The Royal Society of Chemistry is the UK Professional Body for chemical scientists and an international Learned Society for the chemical sciences with some 43,000 members worldwide. It is a major international publisher of chemical information, supports teaching of the chemical sciences at all levels and is a leader in bringing science to the public.

Executive Summary:

1. UK capacity to produce biofuels (biodiesel and bioethanol) is limited to 5-10% of the total road transport fuel requirement without changes in the production of food crops but with use of exports and set-aside land.
2. Carbon savings would be greater in electricity production than in biofuels and so provision of land for this would exemplify 'best use'.
3. There is much potential for the production of hydrogen by the highly efficient processing of biomass.
4. There are currently many options for the generation of energy from potential materials. The best of these, including the biofinery approach, not only produces matter for power generation but also potentially valuable co-products.
5. Given the restriction of available land area, there is great potential in exploiting the extensive marine resources at the disposal of the UK for biomass production, a process which serves multiple beneficial roles beyond that served by the end product.
6. The potentials for bioenergy are unlikely to be exploited under prevailing economic conditions and sectorials approaches. There must be strong links between all those involved including academic research, agricultural, industrial refining and end users be they public retailers or power companies.
7. Economic factors will drive the success of bioenergy so making this option competitive is essential. Research into the practicalities of scale, efficiency and logistics as well as the creation of an appropriate long-term policy amd finance framework based upon this research to support bioenergy in the UK is clearly needed.
8. A successful and essentially long-term emissions trading scheme would be an economic driver for companies offering energy with considerable CO2 reductions. In addition, the lifetime of support mechanisms such as Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs) should be extended to encourage investment.
9. Economic support for ventures including Short Rotation Coppicing (SRC) which have returns after four years following high initial investment is vital for this approach.
10. A roadmap of what research, development and deployment is happening in the UK is critical in establishing the future strategy on biofuels. Cross party consensus towards towards a long-term direction is essential in realising the full potential possibilities presented.
11. Carbon emissions fron the use of biomass or derived products is generally equal to that sequestered during the growth of the source material making the process carbon neutral. However, this depends crucially upon the energy used in processing and production, and the logistics and efficiency of agricultural, chemical, biochemical, and engineering practices employed.
12. Achieving sustainability during production would be greatly helped by the publication of best practice guidelines for agriculture.
13. The impact of biofuel monocultures on ecology, for example oil seed rape, is likely to be detrimental, particularly if set-aside land is lost. However, SRC has positive impacts on flora and fauna with a variety of ecosystems supported.
14. Biomass is most effective in reducing CO2 when the supply chain distance is minimal. This means that importing biomass should be considered carefully in this respect in addition to the ethical and security implications involved.
15. Continued involvement with international research programs is essential, particularly those which are principally similar to the conditions and the situation of the UK. The work of the DTI in the area of bioenergy should continue and be built upon.
16. Any headway made in developing renewable energy policy should be mirrored in concerted efforts to improve user efficiency.

To find similar reports, click on a keyword below:
Agriculture and Forestry : Biodiesel : Biomass & Bioenergy : Decision Makers : Development Agencies : Ethanol : Industry : Liquid Biofuels : Renewable Energy Sources & Systems : Solid Biofuels : Sustainable Development

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