Common biomass sustainability framework: consultation

Ember argues that large-scale biomass power is incompatible with UK carbon budgets due to high emissions and import reliance. It recommends capping generation at Drax and Lynemouth, shifting to domestic feedstock, and scaling up low-carbon alternatives like wind, solar, and batteries.

• Large-scale biomass power generation is incompatible with UK carbon budgets because burning woody biomass emits more carbon than coal, and the carbon payback period for regrowth can take decades or centuries.
• Drax power station has been the UK's single largest emitter since 2016; in 2024, it emitted more carbon than the six largest gas power plants combined and is expected to remain the largest emitter until 2030.
• The UK's reliance on imported biomass, primarily from the US and Canada, threatens energy independence and exposes households to price volatility, as seen during the 2021-23 energy crisis.
• Domestic sourcing for biomass power is currently unrealistic without significant consumption reductions; Drax's 2024 fiber sourcing of 9 million tonnes is nearly equal to the total UK roundwood removals of 10.7 million tonnes.
• Ember recommends capping the annual load factor eligible for subsidy for Drax and Lynemouth after March 2031 and scaling up dispatchable low-carbon power such as wind, solar, and batteries.

APA

Murdoch, J. (2026). Common biomass sustainability framework: consultation. Ember. https://ember-energy.org/app/uploads/2026/02/Ember-submission-to-the-Common-biomass-sustainability-framework.pdf

Chicago

Murdoch, Josie. Common biomass sustainability framework: consultation. Ember, 2026. https://ember-energy.org/app/uploads/2026/02/Ember-submission-to-the-Common-biomass-sustainability-framework.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Murdoch |first1=Josie |title=Common biomass sustainability framework: consultation |publisher=Ember |date=27 February 2026 |url=https://ember-energy.org/app/uploads/2026/02/Ember-submission-to-the-Common-biomass-sustainability-framework.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{murdoch2026common, author = {Murdoch, Josie}, title = {{Common biomass sustainability framework: consultation}}, institution = {Ember}, year = {2026}, month = feb, url = {https://ember-energy.org/app/uploads/2026/02/Ember-submission-to-the-Common-biomass-sustainability-framework.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }