The CCC Review of Bioenergy

Dr Ute Collier, Committee on Climate Change

Discusses the nature of bioenergy in respect to feedstocks, conversion processes, and the potential end uses (heat and/or power, liquid fuels and gaseous fuels), considering current UK production levels. The review seeks to assess the potential role for bioenergy in meeting the carbon budgets, taking account of lifecycle emissions and other sustainability concerns as well as alternative uses for bioenergy feedstocks. It considers the role for bioenergy across different sectors and concludes that around 10% bioenergy penetration may be required to meet the 2050 target, and that this could be sustainable. Key priorities should be to develop CCS, develop bioenergy options, and invest in a range of other low carbon technologies, such as electric vehicles and heat pumps.