Foreword
In its raw state, bioenergy is at
best carbon neutral – the biomass from which energy is generated absorbs carbon
dioxide during its life, and thus any emissions released during energy
generation have already been accounted for. This is not a perfect system: when
accounting for the entire lifecycle of the generating process, emissions will
still creep in along the way as fossil fuels are widely utilised for transport
and construction. This does result in bioenergy tending to be a carbon
net-emitter overall, but to a much lesser degree than fossil fuel generation.
This is also a worse performance in terms of emissions when compared to other
renewable technologies such as wind, solar, and hydropower, as these release no
carbon at all (but also may similarly release some indirectly over their
lifecycle). Where bioenergy differentiates itself from competing renewables is
in its reliability and flexibility: it can be “switched on” at very short
notice and can run continuously, without needing to rely on external
conditions. However, if recent developments are to be implemented
more widely.........
Other News this Month Includes:
Policy
- REA releases bioenergy policy review
- UK Heat Network scheme opens
- Labour Party to consult on decarbonising UK
- Bright Blue think tank recommends investment
to end UK gas dependency
Markets
- Funding for carbon capture technology
company
- BP publishes energy outlook, with renewables
prominent
- US bioenergy forecasts
Research & Development
- Coal phase-out backs up UK emissions
decrease
Biomass Heat and Power
- Drax commissions world's first biomass
carbon capture system
- Ørsted continues Danish coal phase-out
- France considering coal to biomass
conversions
Biogas
- France pursues cheaper biogas
- Anaerobic digestion to power RAF base
- Feasibility study for small-scale biogas
transportation
- Aemetis biomethane plant begins construction
Events
ROC Prices