It is essential that the biomass we use for energy is sustainable. This is why we have introduced mandatory reporting against sustainability criteria for solid biomass and biogas under the Renewables Obligation.
From 1 April 2011, biomass electricity generators over 50kW are required to report against the following sustainability criteria:
- Minimum 60% Greenhouse Gas (“GHG”) emission saving for electricity generation using solid biomass or biogas relative to fossil fuel; and
- General restrictions on using materials sourced from land with high biodiversity value or high carbon stock – including primary forest, peatland, and wetlands.
Following a two year transition period, we intend that from April 2013, generators of 1MW capacity and above will be required to meet the criteria in order to receive Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROCs) under the Renewables Obligation.
This transition period allows generators time to familiarise themselves with the sustainability criteria and reporting process.
We intend to take a complementary approach under the forthcoming Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).
We have introduced a freely available online GHG lifecycle assessment tool - the UK Biomass & Biogas Carbon Calculator. This allows generators and others to assess the emissions associated with biomass electricity and heat generation. It looks at the emissions across the bio-energy lifecycle from cultivation of biomass, to processing and transport. The tool and user-guide can be downloaded from the Ofgem: Biomass and Biogas Carbon Calculator web page. In addition Ofgem has produced guidance for generators using solid biomass and biogas on how to demonstrate compliance with the sustainability criteria. This is available on the Ofgem: Renewables Obligation - Sustainability criteria for solid and gaseous biomass for generators (greater than 50 kW) web page.
In addition, bioliquids (i.e. liquid biomass fuels used for heat and electricity generation) must comply with the sustainability criteria set out in the Renewable Energy Directive in order to count towards the Directive’s targets and be eligible for financial support. The criteria are:
- Minimum greenhouse gas saving of 35% compared to fossil fuel;
- Not be produced on land of high biodiversity or high carbon stocks; and
- The minimum greenhouse gas savings is to rise to 50% in 2017, and 60% in 2018 for new installations.
Ofgem has produced guidance for generators using bioliquids on how to demonstrate compliance with the sustainability criteria and for independent auditors on how to verify generators' compliance with those criteria.
This is available on the Ofgem: Renewables Obligation - Sustainability criteria for bioliquids web page.