PowerPlants2020
This is the home of the PowerPlants2020 web resource. Launched in June 2010, this resource was created to advise farmers on the opportunities for growing crops for energy and using farm residues in anaerobic digestion.
PowerPlants2020 offers free, up-to-date and independent advice on bioenergy, including energy crop agronomy, information on how to apply for grants and cost calculators.
By 2020, the UK plans to produce 15% of its energy from renewable sources. To realise this ambition the government has introduced subsidies for small-scale producers, which means there is no better time to get involved in bioenergy.
UK farmers can contribute by growing energy crops for their own use or by supplying larger energy generators. Farmers may also choose to invest in anaerobic digestion and produce renewable gas for heating.
Do you want to:
Do you want to... Grow your own energy?
- Producing enough heat for your farm require less land than you might think
- Energy crops can enrich biodiversity on the farm
- Require lower inputs than traditional arable agriculture
- Can offer long-term financial savings compared to using fossil fuels
You can find information on growing, harvesting and storing energy crops in the UK, and their uses as non-food crops in our SRC and Miscanthus factsheets.
Land Requirements
If you are concerned about how much land you need to grow energy crops, the Biomass Energy Centre have produced a useful table showing the amount of fuel needed to heat buildings of different sizes and the area of land needed to produce the fuel.
For example, a large farm with outbuildings will need approximately 9 ha of Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) or 6.5 ha of Miscanthus each year for heating purposes.
Energy Crop Boiler Guide
Crops like SRC willow and Miscanthus are being successfully used to provide on-farm renewable heat. However, they may not be suitable for all biomass boilers, as a result of their high ash content and alkalinity. It is therefore important to choose the correct boiler for the correct feedstock.
The NNFCC’s Energy Crop Boiler Guide offers those considering using energy crops to produce heat, the chance to compare and identify suitable boilers.
Economics
What kind of return can you expect from an energy crop compared to conventional arable? Our Energy Crops Calculator (Published June 2010) provides a guide to the economic feasibility of two perennial crops (SRC willow and Miscanthus) in comparison to wheat.
The English Energy Crops Scheme (ECS) supports the use of approved energy crops by providing 50% of the actual costs associated with land preparation, planting and establishment, up to a maximum payment of £1,000 per hectare. Visit the Natural England ECS web pages to find out how to apply. Energy providers in England also receive ongoing financial support for each kWh of electricity and heat they produce by burning energy crops through the electricity Feed-in Tariff and Renewable Heat Incentive schemes.
In Scotland, support is available through the Scotland Rural Development Programme. The payment covers 40% (50% in less favoured areas) of the actual costs, including the cost of fencing, up to a maximum payment of £1,000 per hectare, based on receipted invoices. Visit the Scottish Government pages on SRC to find out how to apply.
Northern Ireland's Short Rotation Coppice Scheme supports SRC willow development as part of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Regulation Plan 2007-2013. The payment covers 40% (50% in less favoured areas) of the actual costs, including the cost of fencing, up to a maximum payment of £1,000 per hectare. Further support is offered to young farmers who qualify for the Young Farmers Scheme for Northern Ireland. Visit Northern Ireland's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Forestry Grant Information pages to find out how to apply.
Do you want to...Supply a power station?
- Energy crops can offer better returns than conventional crops on non-prime land
- More stable prices and long-term contracts compared with arable crops
- Can generate power through a large power station or attract a premium throught the local heat market
For information on your nearest operational biomass processing facility see our handy downloadable map (below).
The map provides details on the location of operational biomass facilities, capacity, operators and feedstock requirements.
Click the map below to open the link:
Do you want to... Develop anaerobic digestion?
- Anaerobic digestion can be profitable
- Supports the livestock sector
- Provides renewable energy for use on the farm or can be exported to the National Grid
- Digestate provides more nitrogen to crops than slurry
Your first port of call should be The Official Information Portal on Anaerobic Digestion (AD). This website offers an invaluable source of comprehensive and independent guidance on AD, bringing together essential introductory information and more specialist advice.
On the site you will find details of potential feedstocks, funding opportunities, incentives, regulations and plant suppliers.
The site is easy to use and regularly updated to provide the very latest information on all aspects of AD.
Economics
If you think anaerobic digestion could be right for you, download our AD Calculator (Published March 2010). The calculator gives you a personalised assessment of the likely financial returns from AD.
Coming soon
Check back soon for more information on:
- Energy crop end users: List of energy crop buyers, including contract arrangements, such as minimum/maximum volumes, pricing, contract length, haulage arrangements and fuel specifications.
More information
For useful contacts in the anaerobic digestion industry, including plant providers, see the Suppliers & Contacts page on the AD Portal.
For more detailed information on biomass boilers and CHP, contact the Biomass Energy Centre.
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