10 August 2023 – The Carbon Capture and Storage Association (CCSA) today welcomed the publication of the UK Government’s Biomass Strategy which sets outs positive steps toward delivering the UK’s net zero agenda.
Biomass-generated power is a sustainable, renewable way of making energy by burning wood chips and other plant material. It can be used in power stations to make carbon neutral electricity, as the CO2 released when it is burnt is equivalent to what was absorbed by the biomass during its lifetime.
Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) is a technology which allows the capturing and permanent storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by burning biomass – removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere whilst also generating electricity and/or heat.
As well as power generation, biomass also has industrial uses. For example, can also be converted into jet fuel known as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
The Biomass Strategy makes clear Greenhouse Gas Removal (GGR) technologies are vital because they enable carbon-emitting sectors such as agriculture, cement and steel to continue while achieving net zero. BECCS is a key example of this technology and the strategy sets out “active work” in government to support it via development of the Power BECCS and GGR business models and clear guidance.
A report by the Government’s BECCS Task and Finish Group published alongside the strategy sets out the “substantial opportunity for the UK to develop a leadership position on the delivery of sustainable BECCS & GGRs”. Failure to pursue the technology now risks “innovation and associated export opportunities” for British businesses, increasing the cost of delivering net zero.
It follows an important announcement last week on the UK Government’s support for two further clusters in Humberside and Scotland.
Ruth Herbert, CEO of the CCSA, said: “Today’s publication of a Biomass Strategy for the UK is good news.
“Capturing carbon produced from burning biomass is an important part of the carbon removal toolkit to remove greenhouse gases from our environment, particularly for hard-to-decarbonise sectors like agriculture and aviation. It will help ensure we can protect jobs, maintain important industries and deliver our net zero ambitions.
“BECCS is one part of the suite of carbon capture and storage solutions that has the potential to underpin the next industrial revolution. We urgently need HM Treasury to set out further detail on the scale and timing of support to BECCS and other potential carbon capture sites.
“Failure to act this Autumn would risk undermining investor confidence in the UK while others such as the United States race ahead in the development of this vital technology.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
CCUS, or Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage, is a key low carbon solution – vital to meeting the UK’s statutory Net Zero target at least cost. CCUS enables the production of clean power, clean products (such as steel and cement) and clean hydrogen – which can then be used to decarbonise heating and transport. In addition, CCUS also enables greenhouse gas removal from the atmosphere through Direct Air Capture with Storage (DACS) or Bioenergy with CCS (BECCS).
The CCSA is the lead European association accelerating the commercial deployment of CCUS. We work with members, governments and other organisations to ensure CCUS is developed and deployed at the pace and scale necessary to meet net zero goals and deliver sustainable growth across regions and nations.
The CCSA currently has over 100 member companies who are active in exploring and developing different applications of carbon capture, CO2 transportation by pipeline and ship, utilisation, geological storage, and other permanent storage solutions, as well as members from management, legal and financial consulting sectors.
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To find out more about the Carbon Capture Storage Association (CCSA) please visit the CCSA website at http://www.ccsassociation.org/ .