Developments in the biomass industry

The Environment and Rural Development Committee conducted a short inquiry to examine current developments in the biomass industry, with particular reference to how forestry and agricultural policy can support this development.

Background

The Committee wished to follow up in more detail on some issues covered in its 2005 climate change inquiry. During that inquiry the Committee considered climate change issues in general (and renewable energy from biomass in particular) in the context of both forestry and agriculture policy.

The Committee emphasised the importance in reducing emissions through sequestering carbon during growth, and through forest products being low carbon energy fuels and construction materials. The Committee noted that there were no clearly explained objectives for the target for forest growth, or any clear connection between forestry policy and climate change. The Committee recommended that much greater political priority should be given to the role of forestry in addressing climate change. The Committee also noted the potential development of agricultural crops suitable for biomass energy, and the Minister's view that there is currently a lack of integration between standard agricultural activity and forestry. The Committee recommended the development of appropriate economic incentives for the development of forestry, and the explicit integration of climate change considerations into agriculture policy.

The economic and employment role of forestry in rural development has also been considered as part of broad rural development inquiries. An examination of developments in the biomass industry in early 2006 would coincide appropriately with the review of the Scottish Forestry Strategy.

The Strategy was published in 2000. A first stage public consultation, which asked a broad range of questions about priorities (including climate change), closed in September. A draft revised strategy and a Strategic Environmental Assessment are being prepared and are expected to be issued for consultation in late January 2006, with a view to a final revised strategy being agreed in summer 2006. 

The Forum for Renewable Energy Development Scotland (FREDS) published a report in January 2005 on 'Promoting and Accelerating the Market Penetration of Biomass Technology in Scotland', concluding that biomass could supply at least 450MW of electricity in Scotland and employ over 2000 people. The report suggested that a funding gap existed for this technology, and made a number of recommendations on wood fuel supply, demand, infrastructure and regulation.

In June 2005 the Sustainable Development Commission Scotland produced a report entitled ‘Wood Fuel for Warmth’. This aimed to be a contribution to the reviews of Executive strategies on climate change, sustainable development, forestry and energy. In exploring the scope for biomass the report concluded that wood-fuel heating could make a significant contribution to cutting carbon emissions while providing rural employment and reducing fuel poverty.

The Executive has indicated that it is currently considering how best to provide additional support and has invited views on how a revised renewable obligation scheme can stimulate the growth of the sector.

Timetable for the Inquiry

This inquiry took place over three meetings – on 22 February, and 1 and 8 March 2006 . Click here to view the timetable for consideration of oral evidence on the inquiry.

Oral and Written Evidence

The Committee took oral evidence from a range of interested parties, including land managers, wood fuel businesses, economic development authorities and the wider forestry industry. Witnesses invited to give oral evidence were asked to provide a written submission to be circulated prior to the meeting. Links to the Official Report (substantially verbatim transcript of the Committee meetings) and public papers of Committee meetings relating to the inquiry are published below.

Oral evidence and associated written evidence and open written submissions.

Report

The Committee published its report on its inquiry into developments in the biomass industry on 29 March 2006.  The Scottish Executive response to the report was sent to the Committee on 25 May 2006.

Contacts

The contact for members of the media is:
Richard Holligan Tel: 0131 348 5605 (Text Relay calls welcome)
email: richard.holligan@scottish.parliament.uk

For specific committee information or information about the inquiry, please contact:
Mark Brough, Clerk to the Committee, Direct Tel: 0131 348 5240 (Text Relay calls welcome) , or
Katherine Wright, Senior Assistant Clerk, Direct Tel: 0131 348 5221 (Text Relay calls welcome)
e-mail to : ERDC@scottish.parliament.uk