Common Biomass Sustainability Framework

29 Apr 2026 | Written question Department for Energy Security and Net Zero Context · primary home: Energy Independence Bill linked

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the suitability of Drax to receive biomass subsidy in the context of whistleblowing allegatio

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the suitability of Drax to receive biomass subsidy in the context of whistleblowing allegations against that company.

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28 Apr 2026 | Written question Department for Energy Security and Net Zero linked

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to strengthen regulations on biomass energy production and waste incineration companies, including t

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to strengthen regulations on biomass energy production and waste incineration companies, including to ensure the sector takes responsibility for reducing i

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25 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

DESNZ has not made clear how its plans to strengthen the sustainability rules might work in practice. In its Biomass Strategy, published in August 2023, DESNZ committed to develop and consult on a common sustainability framework which could be applied to new future biomass policies and schemes across different sectors of the economy. It also committed to considering whether it should introduce a requirement that, to meet the standards for the land criteria, 100% of woody biomass should be sus...

DESNZ has not made clear how its plans to strengthen the sustainability rules might work in practice. In its Biomass Strategy, published in August 2023, DESNZ committed to develop and consult on a common sustainability framework which could be applied …

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25 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

There are number of risks to the supply of biomass that need effective management. DESNZ’s Biomass Strategy identified a number of challenges for its use in the future which it needs to manage, including making sure that it has a secure supply of biomass and that it prioritises its use. In 2022, around two–thirds of biomass used in electricity generation, heat and transport was produced from domestic sources, with a third imported. The Department describes itself as agnostic as to whether bio...

There are number of risks to the supply of biomass that need effective management. DESNZ’s Biomass Strategy identified a number of challenges for its use in the future which it needs to manage, including making sure that it has a …

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25 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (the Department) and the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) on the government’s support for biomass.1

On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (the Department) and the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) on the government’s support for …

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25 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has overall responsibility for government’s approach to supporting biomass. In August 2023, DESNZ published its Biomass Strategy setting out the significant role it considers biomass can play in achieving net zero by 2050.6 The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) administers the government schemes that provide the majority of financial support for biomass in the heat and power sectors.7

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has overall responsibility for government’s approach to supporting biomass. In August 2023, DESNZ published its Biomass Strategy setting out the significant role it considers biomass can play in achieving net zero …

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25 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

DESNZ has set two criteria—for land use and with respect to greenhouse gases—for all the schemes that support the use of biomass which require biomass users to demonstrate that the fuel they burn comes from sustainable sources.9 Ofgem administers, on behalf of DESNZ, most of the schemes that provide financial support for biomass in power and heating, including registering participants on to schemes and monitoring compliance with sustainability and other scheme criteria.10 Generators with a ca...

DESNZ has set two criteria—for land use and with respect to greenhouse gases—for all the schemes that support the use of biomass which require biomass users to demonstrate that the fuel they burn comes from sustainable sources.9 Ofgem administers, on …

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25 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

We are concerned that the certification schemes that are intended to prove that biomass used in the UK is sustainably sourced may not be fit for purpose.12 DESNZ told us that they and Ofgem have benchmarked these third–party certification schemes to ensure that they are in line with the sustainability criteria.13 We have also received a written submission from Drax setting out how the Sustainable Biomass Programme (SBP), the largest certification scheme, is underpinned by independent audits w...

We are concerned that the certification schemes that are intended to prove that biomass used in the UK is sustainably sourced may not be fit for purpose.12 DESNZ told us that they and Ofgem have benchmarked these third–party certification schemes …

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25 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

Ofgem explained that the level of oversight is dictated by the size of the generator.17 At present, the largest recipient of financial support for biomass is Drax, the largest biomass electricity generator by some distance.18 While Ofgem did find misreporting in Drax’s 2021–22 annual returns, Ofgem told us that these breaches did not mean that Drax received subsidies 9 C&AG’s Report, para 1.6, 2.8 10 C&AG’s Report, para 1.15 11 C&AG’s Report, para 2.11 12 Q 4 13 Q 4 14 Letter from Drax, 17 Ma...

Ofgem explained that the level of oversight is dictated by the size of the generator.17 At present, the largest recipient of financial support for biomass is Drax, the largest biomass electricity generator by some distance.18 While Ofgem did find misreporting …

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25 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

Ofgem told us that there are 104 biomass power generators with a generating capacity over 1 MW, and which therefore receive the same level of oversight as Drax.22 In the last year, Ofgem found that 17 of these 104 had breached the support scheme’s sustainability criteria.23 While these non–compliant generators accounted for less than 1% of the power generated by biomass as part of the Renewables Obligation scheme, this level of non–compliance is concerning.24 Strengthening the sustainability ...

Ofgem told us that there are 104 biomass power generators with a generating capacity over 1 MW, and which therefore receive the same level of oversight as Drax.22 In the last year, Ofgem found that 17 of these 104 had …

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25 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

In its Biomass Strategy, published in August 2023, DESNZ committed to develop and consult on a common sustainability framework which could be applied to all new future biomass schemes across different sectors of the economy. This consultation has yet to be launched, although DESNZ assured us that it would happen at some point in 2025.25 The strategy also committed DESNZ to consider whether it should strengthen the land criteria in its support schemes so that 100% of woody biomass would have t...

In its Biomass Strategy, published in August 2023, DESNZ committed to develop and consult on a common sustainability framework which could be applied to all new future biomass schemes across different sectors of the economy. This consultation has yet to …

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25 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

In August 2024, Ofgem published the outcome of its investigation into Drax.30 It told us that it had reviewed over 3,000 documents as part of its investigation.31 It also reviewed a report by KPMG, commissioned by Drax, which looked at its Canadian supply chain processes and reporting practices, from the forests of Western Canada to the power station in North Yorkshire.32 Ofgem concluded following its review of the KPMG report, that it was “content there were no points of illegality raised in...

In August 2024, Ofgem published the outcome of its investigation into Drax.30 It told us that it had reviewed over 3,000 documents as part of its investigation.31 It also reviewed a report by KPMG, commissioned by Drax, which looked at …

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25 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

In February 2025, the government announced it had agreed heads of terms for a deal to support Drax that will run from 2027 to 2031. As part of this deal, DESNZ has required Drax to source 100% of its fuel from sustainable sources, rather than the current 70%. DESNZ intends to appoint an independent sustainability adviser to support Ofgem and the Low Carbon Contracts Company to ensure that the assurance process is robust and keeps pace with the science.36 DESNZ recognised that if a target of 1...

In February 2025, the government announced it had agreed heads of terms for a deal to support Drax that will run from 2027 to 2031. As part of this deal, DESNZ has required Drax to source 100% of its fuel …

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25 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

One of the key themes of the government’s Biomass Strategy concerns the future availability of biomass.39 In 2021, the UK imported 9.1 million tonnes of wood pellets for use in energy production. Around 60% came from the US, 18% from the EU and 16% from Canada.40 DESNZ describes itself as agnostic as to whether biomass is sourced domestically or from overseas.41 The Climate Change Committee’s (CCC’s) most recent advice for Carbon Budget 7 highlights that supply of sustainable biomass is likel...

One of the key themes of the government’s Biomass Strategy concerns the future availability of biomass.39 In 2021, the UK imported 9.1 million tonnes of wood pellets for use in energy production. Around 60% came from the US, 18% from …

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25 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

DESNZ noted that global biomass prices would strongly influence how significant a role biomass would play and in what sectors, given that there are several areas in which it can be used.45 Higher biomass prices could encourage a growth in domestic production, but this could reduce the amount of land available for food production in the UK.46 The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs is currently consulting on this issue in advance of producing a ‘land use framework’. which will loo...

DESNZ noted that global biomass prices would strongly influence how significant a role biomass would play and in what sectors, given that there are several areas in which it can be used.45 Higher biomass prices could encourage a growth in …

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25 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

Importing biomass involves long supply chains, which make it difficult to be sure that it is produced from genuinely sustainable sources.50 We are also concerned that recent international developments may undermine the system of carbon accounting that underpins the current supply of 39 C&AG’s Report, para 3.2 40 C&AG’S Report, para 1.4 41 C&AG’S Report, para 3.3 42 Climate Change Committee, The Seventh Carbon Budget, February 2025, Section 7.7 43 Bio0012 44 Climate Change Committee, The Seven...

Importing biomass involves long supply chains, which make it difficult to be sure that it is produced from genuinely sustainable sources.50 We are also concerned that recent international developments may undermine the system of carbon accounting that underpins the current …

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25 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked

In February 2025, the Minister for Energy issued a statement confirming that the government had agreed heads of terms with Drax power station for financial support between 1 April 2027, when current support arrangements end, and 31 March 2031. The Minister set out that the extension of its support for Drax is necessary, despite their concerns about the continued use of unabated biomass, to secure the UK’s energy supply while alternatives are developed.54

In February 2025, the Minister for Energy issued a statement confirming that the government had agreed heads of terms with Drax power station for financial support between 1 April 2027, when current support arrangements end, and 31 March 2031. The …

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4 Jan 2024 | Committee report linked

Significant action is required to reduce the impact on deforestation of the UK’s consumption of agricultural products. While the UK is the 15th largest contributor to tropical deforestation in global terms, the intensity of UK consumption (measured in footprint per tonne of product consumed) is higher than that of China. This figure ought to alarm Ministers.

Significant action is required to reduce the impact on deforestation of the UK’s consumption of agricultural products. While the UK is the 15th largest contributor to tropical deforestation in global terms, the intensity of UK consumption (measured in footprint per …

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4 Jan 2024 | Committee report linked

Given the scale of government purchasing power, both centrally and across the wider public sector, the UK Government has an opportunity, and a responsibility, to drive best practice and to demand the use of sustainably sourced products.

Given the scale of government purchasing power, both centrally and across the wider public sector, the UK Government has an opportunity, and a responsibility, to drive best practice and to demand the use of sustainably sourced products. Type: conclusion | …

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4 Jan 2024 | Committee report linked

We recommend that the GBS require all acquired forest-risk commodities (in addition to palm oil, timber and paper) to be certified as sustainably produced. (Paragraph 41) The UK’s proposed due diligence system under the Environment Act 2021

We recommend that the GBS require all acquired forest-risk commodities (in addition to palm oil, timber and paper) to be certified as sustainably produced. (Paragraph 41) The UK’s proposed due diligence system under the Environment Act 2021 Type: recommendation | …

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4 Jan 2024 | Committee report linked

Current UK regulation is not sufficient when it comes to limiting non-sustainable deforestation. It relies too heavily on the laws in exporting countries and an assumption that that these laws will incorporate adequate provision for sustainability: as currently drafted the Regulations take control of the UK’s impact on sustainable timber production out of the UK’s hands.

Current UK regulation is not sufficient when it comes to limiting non-sustainable deforestation. It relies too heavily on the laws in exporting countries and an assumption that that these laws will incorporate adequate provision for sustainability: as currently drafted the …

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4 Jan 2024 | Committee report linked

We recommend that, in order to increase the sustainable use of forest-risk commodities, the Government should bring forward amendments to paragraph 2 of Schedule 17 to the Environment Act so as to prohibit UK businesses from trading or using commodities linked to deforestation activity as defined by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, whether or not the activity is permitted by local legislation.

We recommend that, in order to increase the sustainable use of forest-risk commodities, the Government should bring forward amendments to paragraph 2 of Schedule 17 to the Environment Act so as to prohibit UK businesses from trading or using commodities …

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19 Jul 2023 | Committee report linked

The reliance on the UK Forestry Standard to ensure the sustainability of planting in areas identified as ‘low risk’ could provide a proportionate risk-mitigation mechanism. For this to operate effectively it is important that Forestry England maintain its monitoring of the compliance of new woodland with the UKFS beyond the establishment stage. We discuss this issue in further detail below.

The reliance on the UK Forestry Standard to ensure the sustainability of planting in areas identified as ‘low risk’ could provide a proportionate risk-mitigation mechanism. For this to operate effectively it is important that Forestry England maintain its monitoring of …

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19 Jul 2023 | Committee report linked

Against a backdrop of increasing demand, the UK’s softwood timber production is set to peak in the late 2030s before falling back to current levels in the 2040s. Given the UK’s heavy reliance on timber imports and the potential negative impacts that increased UK and global demand could have on the planet’s most ecologically sensitive and biodiverse forests, it is right that the UK should do more to meet a higher proportion of its timber consumption through domestically grown timber. It is unl...

Against a backdrop of increasing demand, the UK’s softwood timber production is set to peak in the late 2030s before falling back to current levels in the 2040s. Given the UK’s heavy reliance on timber imports and the potential negative …

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19 Jul 2023 | Committee report linked

New or restocked woodlands planted to the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) will have lower yields of timber per area. The planting of predominantly broadleaf species in recent decades has reduced the future availability of softwood timber. To ensure the continued availability of softwoods from productive forestry, it is evident that rates of conifer planting compliant with UKFS ought to increase. But increased planting of conifers ought not to be undertaken at the expense of native broadleaf speci...

New or restocked woodlands planted to the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) will have lower yields of timber per area. The planting of predominantly broadleaf species in recent decades has reduced the future availability of softwood timber. To ensure the continued …

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19 Jul 2023 | Committee report linked

We recommend that the project board with oversight of the current quinquennial review of the UK Forestry Standard ensure that the revised Standard not only contributes to beneficial outcomes for biodiversity and carbon storage but also supports productive forestry to the fullest extent compatible with climate and nature goals. This overall objective must be supported by the policy instruments available to the Forestry Commission in England and to Defra Ministers. The Commission and the UK Gov...

We recommend that the project board with oversight of the current quinquennial review of the UK Forestry Standard ensure that the revised Standard not only contributes to beneficial outcomes for biodiversity and carbon storage but also supports productive forestry to …

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19 Jul 2023 | Committee report linked

The UK Forestry Standard underpins regulation of the sustainability of the nation’s forests and plays an important role in ensuring that renewed efforts to increase timber supply do not repeat the mistakes of the past. Yet the existence of the standard is not proof that the nation’s forests are being managed sustainably. We are concerned by reports that compliance with this important standard is not being monitored throughout the lifetime of England’s forests and reports that Forestry England...

The UK Forestry Standard underpins regulation of the sustainability of the nation’s forests and plays an important role in ensuring that renewed efforts to increase timber supply do not repeat the mistakes of the past. Yet the existence of the …

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19 Jul 2023 | Committee report linked

While imported woody biomass continues to be a major bioenergy feedstock, it is important that biomass used in UK power generation, whether from the UK or overseas, is genuinely sustainably sourced in a way which minimises the impact on forest biodiversity and carbon stocks. The CCC has continually stressed that strengthened governance of bioenergy markets is needed domestically and internationally to manage the risks to sustainable low-carbon production as the global biomass market scales up...

While imported woody biomass continues to be a major bioenergy feedstock, it is important that biomass used in UK power generation, whether from the UK or overseas, is genuinely sustainably sourced in a way which minimises the impact on forest …

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28 Apr 2023 | Committee report linked

The Government should justify the rationale for lowering the ringfenced amount of funding for tidal stream in the latest Contracts for Difference auction, and we invite the future Energy Security and Net Zero Committee to consider that rationale and to challenge it if it thinks necessary. We also ask the Government to consider longer term CfDs for tidal energy, reflecting the longer lifecycle for tidal energy compared to, for example, offshore wind turbines. Industry has requested the setting...

The Government should justify the rationale for lowering the ringfenced amount of funding for tidal stream in the latest Contracts for Difference auction, and we invite the future Energy Security and Net Zero Committee to consider that rationale and to …

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28 Apr 2023 | Committee report linked

The UK’s biomass industry is a diverse sector made up of large-scale power plants through to smaller-scale, more local, generators. The overall costs of large-scale bioenergy power plants, which converted from coal-fired plants, are very expensive and rely heavily on imported feedstocks, which may not be produced sustainably, and which may have significant lifecycle emissions. Existing support schemes for unabated bioenergy are due to end by 2027. We do not believe that the historic allocatio...

The UK’s biomass industry is a diverse sector made up of large-scale power plants through to smaller-scale, more local, generators. The overall costs of large-scale bioenergy power plants, which converted from coal-fired plants, are very expensive and rely heavily on …

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28 Apr 2023 | Committee report linked

The Government was due to publish a biomass strategy last year, setting out the role of biomass in helping to achieve the Government’s net zero target, including whether biomass would be best used to generate electricity or for other purposes The Government should publish its biomass strategy without delay and set out: a) the Government’s assessment of future demand for biomass feedstocks in the UK and globally; b) the extent to which the UK can rely on domestic biomass feedstocks to meet fut...

The Government was due to publish a biomass strategy last year, setting out the role of biomass in helping to achieve the Government’s net zero target, including whether biomass would be best used to generate electricity or for other purposes …

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5 Jan 2023 | Committee report linked

It is unclear whether Ministers will maintain the current position whereby grade 3b agricultural land is available for ground-mounted solar installations. We recognise that the Government must balance the needs of energy security with biodiversity protection and food production. Nevertheless, moves to limit the land available for solar installations will make it harder to achieve the Government’s stated ambition in the British Energy Security Strategy to increase solar capacity to 70GW by 203...

It is unclear whether Ministers will maintain the current position whereby grade 3b agricultural land is available for ground-mounted solar installations. We recognise that the Government must balance the needs of energy security with biodiversity protection and food production. Nevertheless, …

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26 May 2022 | Committee report linked

Whilst timber is often the most appropriate material to use to lower the embodied carbon of a building project, it cannot be assumed that this will always be the case. Timber use, from appropriate sources, should be verified as the best whole-life carbon answer to a given construction project, in comparison to other alternatives. Timber use should be seen in the context of UK, European and global forestry resources. A major increase in the use of timber in UK construction will put pressure on...

Whilst timber is often the most appropriate material to use to lower the embodied carbon of a building project, it cannot be assumed that this will always be the case. Timber use, from appropriate sources, should be verified as the …

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26 May 2022 | Committee report linked

The Government must develop a coherent policy, joined up across Departments, to address the need for increased tree planting to address biodiversity and climate change concerns and the need for sustainable commercial plantations using appropriate tree species to meet the demand for domestic timber in construction. Government has committed to developing a policy roadmap on use of timber in construction. This should be delivered by the end of 2022 at the latest: it must comprehensively address ...

The Government must develop a coherent policy, joined up across Departments, to address the need for increased tree planting to address biodiversity and climate change concerns and the need for sustainable commercial plantations using appropriate tree species to meet the …

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21 Mar 2022 | Committee report linked

While strengthening the demand for domestic timber may help the UK to meet its international commitment to end and reverse deforestation caused by UK businesses by 2030, it is only a small part of the solution. While not a central part of this inquiry, it also appeared to us that stronger action may be needed to stop UK-based financial institutions from supporting and profiting from any activity that is causing deforestation. We may return to look at this issue in a future inquiry. (Paragraph...

While strengthening the demand for domestic timber may help the UK to meet its international commitment to end and reverse deforestation caused by UK businesses by 2030, it is only a small part of the solution. While not a central …

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