Carbon Capture and Storage Association welcomes new Government Biomass Strategy

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 life5me.
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-emisng 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 GGRbusiness models and clear guidance.
A report by the Government 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
opportuni5es” 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, par5cularly 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.”