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FORUM FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT IN SCOTLAND - PROMOTING AND ACCELERATING THE MARKET PENETRATION OF BIOMASS TECHNOLOGY IN SCOTLAND
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Biomass Energy Group (BEG) was established by the Forum for Renewable Energy Development in Scotland (FREDS) in January 2004. The task assigned to us was to consider how biomass, especially forestry products, could make a meaningful contribution to Scotland's renewable energy mix and thus deliver significant environmental and employment benefits. The context for this is that biomass already provides approximately 60% of total EU renewable energy utilisation and is therefore the most mature and commercially viable renewable technology in the EU. We have concentrated our deliberations on the use of biomass for the generation of electricity and combined heat and power CHP. This is because the issue of support for biomass as a heat source is to be examined on a UK basis. However, many of the recommendations which we make, for example, in relation to the supply chain, planning issues, and information provision, apply equally to the heat sector and, when implemented, will be of benefit to it.
BEG's vision is to develop a biomass industry in Scotland which will lead the UK's efforts in this sector, while supporting sustainable rural development and creating a wealth of jobs across the supply chain.
In order to realise this vision, BEG has developed the following action points (which should be read in conjunction with the full report). They cover a range of issues that we believe need to be tackled if our aspiration for the sector is to be realised.
BEG has concluded that a biomass industry in Scotland has the potential to supply as much as 450 MW of electricity from the wood fuel resource while employing over 2,000 people and stimulating other sectors of the Scottish economy. This is a conservative estimate. The successful development of biomass technology in Scotland using energy crops as the fuel source would further boost electrical output and employment. However, it will take 5 years to lay the foundations for this industry. This report looks at the establishment of the basic infrastructure needed and the partnership between Government and industry that will be required to deliver this potential.
FUEL SUPPLY ISSUES
- Further work should be undertaken by the Forestry Commission to refine the wood fuel resource estimates in Scotland and to provide more detailed information to wood users and the biomass energy sector. This information should be reviewed/ updated every five years.
- The Forestry Commission should keep under close review, in consultation with the industry, the level of support that it provides to the growers of energy crops in Scotland.
- INFRASTRUCTURE ISSUES
- New biomass plants for CHP and power generation should, where possible, be located in or close to areas of wood fuel availability to minimise possible transport difficulties and costs. The forestry and biomass energy sectors should consider developing integrated sites which would attract a range of wood using activities.
- The Scottish Executive and the Enterprise Networks should consider appropriate means to support supply chain infrastructure innovation and development, and with others, should consider local manufacturing of established non-UK products under licence; they should also consider the need for appropriate skills training.
- Ofgem, the distribution network operators and the transmission operator should ensure fair and financially secure access to the electrical grid at all levels.
THE DEMAND SIDE
- The Scottish Executive and the DTI should acknowledge the continuing need for public sector support for biomass plants for CHP and power generation of all sizes and should give an early commitment that they will work to determine how that need can be met.
- The Scottish Executive should consider how to meet the need for public sector support for CHP plants in particular and also for support infrastructure.
REGULATORY ISSUES
- As part of its planned review of NPPG 6 and PAN 45, the Scottish Executive should at an early date provide updated guidance on biomass developments. This guidance should encourage local authorities to consider the wider impact of biomass projects in relation to sustainable development and the employment impacts of plant.
- All the regulatory agencies must recognise the opportunity which exists to develop renewable power sources (with all the wider inherent benefits). This opportunity will be greatly enhanced by a more proactive approach to overcoming problems.
- SEPA should examine its procedures to ensure consistency of approach in relation to the implementation of legislation relating to waste products and, along with Ofgem, should ensure that information about regulatory issues is made more readily available to the biomass sector.
- SEPA should re-examine how it implements the provisions of the EU Council Directives on waste and on the incineration of waste. Forestry brash, root/stump, lop and top derived from the harvesting of standard timber and any secondary products of primary processing of logs and small round wood should be treated in the same way as short rotation coppice and other energy crops.
- Ofgem and industry should work together to develop secure arrangements whereby Ofgem can certify blended fuels for co-firing as eligible for ROCs at sites other than the power station.
CO-FIRING
- The Scottish Executive should consult on amending the definition of energy crops in the Renewables Obligation (Scotland) Order 2004 to include material derived from any sustainably managed woodland, i.e., a woodland certified to the UK Woodland Assurance Standard.
SECURING A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
- The Scottish Renewables Forum, working with the Scottish Forest Industries Cluster, the Forestry Commission, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, should develop a customer and industry-led Biomass Energy Network.
- The Forestry Commission, working with the Biomass Energy Network should consider the appointment of wood fuel information officers to provide advice to all who are interested in developing biomass wood fuel opportunities.
- Public awareness and acceptance of biomass as a renewable fuel is crucial. The Scottish Executive should assess the effect of the national information campaign, Renewable Energy- It's Only Natural in relation to public knowledge and acceptance of biomass developments and develop a specific campaign to explain, support and reassure on the advantages of biomass energy.
GENERAL
- Government and industry should consider any further recommendations for action arising from other studies into the biomass sector; continue to monitor how the sector develops in Scotland; and take further action if that is required.
- While this report does not make specific recommendations in relation to heat, given the importance of the heat component in building a mature biomass market, BEG strongly supports the Scottish Executive and DTI's commitment to consider a means by which to support development of renewable heat.. We believe that it would be useful for FREDS to reconvene BEG once the outcome of the relevant UK Government review of the heat sector has been completed, to ascertain whether further action needs to be taken specifically in Scotland.
We invite Government, industry, and all others concerned to work with FREDS to help take forward the actions that we have identified as being necessary to achieve a viable biomass energy industry in Scotland.
Forum for Renewable Energy Development in Scotland
Biomass Energy Group
January 2005
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