The Government is failing to promote the use of renewable biomass energy, said the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution today.

Speaking at the launch of the RCEP report "Biomass as a renewable energy source" the Commission's Chair Tom Blundell said

"The use of biomass energy has benefits not only for climate change but also offers new opportunities for UK agriculture and forestry and increases the security of the UK's energy supply… but the [Government] policies so far have failed to integrate the supply chain and support viable technologies. I am disappointed that energy from biomass has not developed as quickly in the UK as elsewhere in Europe".[1]

Friends of the Earth's climate campaigner Bryony Worthington said:

"This is yet further evidence of the Government's failure to tackle climate change. Last week Tony Blair said it was the single most important issue that we face as a global community. But his Government is failing to promote the use of renewable biomass, has watered down plans to put carbon dioxide pollution caps on industry, is allowing road traffic to rise and rubber stamped plans for a massive expansion in air travel. Little wonder that carbon dioxide levels grew last year. It's time the Government took this issue seriously and introduced effective measures across the board before it is too late."

Friends of the Earth welcomed the RCEP report which calls for:

• A new renewable heat obligation that would encourage the use of renewable energy to generate heat as well as electricity;

• The formation of a new government/industry biomass forum;

• Biomass fired Combined Heat and Power in all new build development.

Note

1. www.rcep.org.uk/news/04-05.htm