Study finds big potential in UK biomass
A study has determined the U.K. could generate up to 44 percent of its energy needs from domestic biomass sources by 2050. The analysis explores four possible future scenarios and forecasts the biomass resource availability and bioenergy potential associated with each.
A food-focused scenario prioritizes U.S. food security and productivity, while an economic-focus scenario assumes future emphasis on economic development and resource competition. A conservation-focused scenario prioritizes the conservation of land, biodiversity and resources. Finally, an energy-focused scenario assumes an emphasis on the development of the bioenergy sector and the mobilization of biomass resources to meet energy targets. Modeling of the scenarios found that between 19 and 44 percent of the U.K.’s primary energy needs could be met with domestic biomass.
An energy-focused scenario, in which the U.K. prioritized the production of thermal energy from biomass, was found to provide the highest energy generation for the resources available.
The study was completed by scientists from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research at the University of Manchester.