Section Menu

Biomass: Current UK Use

In 2003, biomass used for both heat and electricity generation accounted for 87 per cent of renewable energy sources in the UK. The majority of this came from landfill gas (33 per cent) and waste combustion (14 per cent) (source: BERR, UK Energy in Brief, July 2007). Smaller amounts also came from sewage gas, domestic wood and industrial wood. Electricity produced from biomass accounted for 1.55 per cent of total electricity supply in the year.

Future development

Biomass has the potential to make a significant contribution to UK heat and energy generation in the future. Development of some forms of biomass may be constrained by limited resources, for example landfill gas. Energy crop-based solutions are also difficult to import economically, although there is the potential for many biomass feedstocks to be grown within the UK. In some cases, crop yields will need to be improved before the process becomes economic.

Likely areas for development are smaller-scale regional projects, and the promotion of energy crops such as short-rotation coppice.