Draft Bioenergy Policy Statement: Consultation

The following question relates to Chapter 1 of our Draft Bioenergy Policy Statement consultation paper, where we set out a series of draft guiding principles for bioenergy use.

Draft guiding principles

1. Use of biomass must comply with stringent sustainability criteria (including land criteria and greenhouse gas emissions reduction criteria). The current use of biomass should meet existing criteria relevant to the sector in which it is used. Longer term we expect biomass use to meet the new cross-sectoral sustainability framework to be developed by the UK Government. Biomass use should also be independently monitored and verified to ensure best practice and the highest standards are upheld.

2. The bioenergy sector should prioritise the use of available waste feedstocks. The use of biomass must comply with the principles of a circular bioeconomy and a cascading use of biomass. For example, wood should first be used where it can deliver the highest economic and environmental benefit (for example in construction), then life extension, reuse and recycling of the wood should be sought before finally its use in bioenergy applications. Availability of bioresource has many constraints and we should ensure that any feedstock has no wider residual value within society before being utilised for energy. 

3. Use of biomass should be prioritised towards practices where there are limited options to replace fossil fuels. This recognises there are areas of the economy which are hard to decarbonise and as such bioenergy should be used in those specific areas. 

4. Use of biomass must support emissions reduction and the pathway to net-zero by 2045. This includes application of carbon capture technology as soon as feasible to do so. Notwithstanding the principle above, short term uses in hard to decarbonise sectors should not mean longer term alternative solutions are not developed. 

5. Use of biomass must comply with all environmental regulations as set out by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). 

6. Biomass feedstock production and use of bioenergy technologies should facilitate these sustainable development goals:

• We have a globally competitive, entrepreneurial, inclusive and sustainable economy.
• We have thriving and innovative jobs and fair work for everyone.
• We will focus on creating a more successful country, with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish, through increased wellbeing and sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
• Scotland is recognised for its leadership in encouraging and promoting a more circular economy.
• The Scottish Government has introduced amendments to Scotland’s Climate Change Bill to introduce a net zero target for all greenhouse gases to 2045.
• Enhancing and protecting Scotland’s biodiversity and ensuring the health of its environment is critical in the fight against climate change and ensuring the environmental, social and economic benefits they bring for future generations.