MPs scrutinise sustainability of biomass energy

COMPANIES that burn wood pellets for energy may be "marking their own homework on sustainability", an influential cross-party committee has warned.

- Rebecca Speare-Cole

In a report published on Friday, MPs on the Public Accounts Committee said certification schemes, which aim to ensure biomass used in the UK has been sustainably sourced, may not be strong enough.

Burning wood chips to generate electricity is classified as renewable power, and is seen by the Government as essential to achieving the UK's net zero goals provided the wood is sustainably sourced and combined with carbon capture and storage technology, known as BECCS.

The Government has provided £22 billion in public subsidies to businesses and households that use biomass, with £6.5 billion going to Drax, which runs the UK’s biggest power station in Yorkshire.

The sector has long faced accusations of burning wood from environmentally important or rare forests overseas.