REA responds to comments on Bioenergy Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) made by the Shadow Secretary of State of Climate Change and Net Zero 

Mark Sommerfeld, Deputy Director of Policy, REA (Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology), said: 

“The assertions made by Claire Coutinho today are counter to the science-based scenarios for achieving a secure, affordable, and decarbonised power system. The need for sustainable biomass and in turn, Bioenergy Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS), has been repeatedly recognised by the Climate Change Committee (CCC) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (UN IPCC). It was also the last Conservative Government who highlighted its critical importance in their 2023 Biomass Strategy. 

The sector already contributes 12% of power generation in the UK, utilising a wide range of feedstocks including waste wood, pellets, straw, and perennial energy crops. This is firm consistent renewable power that helps balance UK energy demand. As such, biomass done in accordance with strict sustainability governance arrangements, plays a critical role in an affordable low carbon energy system, complementing other renewable technologies like solar and wind. 

The ability for biomass to deliver carbon removals in the form of BECCS is critical to achieving net zero. Last year the Government’s Chief Scientific Officer for DESNZ concluded that that there is no scientific reason as to why BECCS cannot be delivered sustainably in the UK. We already know we’re likely to need 44-112 MtCO₂ of engineered removals per year by 2050 to meet net zero, and the CCC’s balanced pathway sees BECCS facilities delivering a large proportion of these as one of the most advanced and ready to deploy solutions. 

Government investment is needed to achieve this, as with any new generation, but delivery of jobs, skills, and avoiding costs of climate change will deliver real economic returns. What’s more, demand for carbon removals is growing and the UK has an opportunity to play a critical role in leading that market, increasing investment opportunities. Consistent policy, accompanied by strong sustainability regulation, is allowing BECCS to be deployed commercially and cost effectively, helping us achieve net zero and realise the new Government’s Clean Power by 2030 mission.”