REA warns UK Labour party against “dismissing role” of bioenergy in 2030 plan
The UK Labour party has outlined its plan to deliver a net zero energy sector by 2030. The party launched its future energy plan detailing how a net benefit of £800bn could be achieved in the UK by fast-tracking the nation’s energy sector to net zero emissions by 2030. However, its plan does not appear to incorporate bioenergy.
Labour’s 187-page 30 by 2030 report explains how 1.9% of GDP would be spent each year to transform and decarbonise the energy sector. According to a report by Edie.net, Labour’s report focuses on four key areas outlining how to transform the sector over the next 10 years:
While the opposition party’s plans outline plans for heat pumps, wind farms and solar panels, there is no mention of utilising bioenergy. While the Association for Renewable Energy & Clean Technology (REA) praised Labour for defining a set plan to achieving net zero emissions, it also warned the party against “dismissing the role of bioenergy technologies”.
In a statement, Amy MacConnachie, head of external affairs at the REA, said: “Mitigating climate change and reaching our net-zero targets must be rooted in accountability and achievability. It is encouraging to see Labour substantiate their policies with industry, academic and scientific backing.
“In particular, we welcome the emphasis on decarbonising heat and creating a flexible energy system. As outlined in our Flexible Futures Report launched today [24 October], a flexible energy system is the key to unlocking the energy transition.
“Equally important is the decarbonisation of heat but despite the end of the renewable heat incentive (RHI) less than two years away, the progress needed to decarbonise is not happening quickly enough. Labour are right to highlight the urgency of addressing these areas.
“However, we warn Labour against dismissing the role of bioenergy technologies which the REA Bioenergy Strategy has recently demonstrated could sustainably account for 16% of the UK’s primary energy needs by 2030.
“Implementing the whole system change needed to achieve net zero in the timeframe we have is challenging and complicated. To do this, we need to ensure cross-party cooperation and well-thought-out policies entrenched in fairness, science and practicality.”
Labour’s 187-page 30 by 2030 report explains how 1.9% of GDP would be spent each year to transform and decarbonise the energy sector. According to a report by Edie.net, Labour’s report focuses on four key areas outlining how to transform the sector over the next 10 years:
- Reducing energy waste in buildings and industry
- Decarbonising heat
- Boosting renewable and low carbon electricity generation
- Balancing the UK’s supply and demand.
While the opposition party’s plans outline plans for heat pumps, wind farms and solar panels, there is no mention of utilising bioenergy. While the Association for Renewable Energy & Clean Technology (REA) praised Labour for defining a set plan to achieving net zero emissions, it also warned the party against “dismissing the role of bioenergy technologies”.
In a statement, Amy MacConnachie, head of external affairs at the REA, said: “Mitigating climate change and reaching our net-zero targets must be rooted in accountability and achievability. It is encouraging to see Labour substantiate their policies with industry, academic and scientific backing.
“In particular, we welcome the emphasis on decarbonising heat and creating a flexible energy system. As outlined in our Flexible Futures Report launched today [24 October], a flexible energy system is the key to unlocking the energy transition.
“Equally important is the decarbonisation of heat but despite the end of the renewable heat incentive (RHI) less than two years away, the progress needed to decarbonise is not happening quickly enough. Labour are right to highlight the urgency of addressing these areas.
“However, we warn Labour against dismissing the role of bioenergy technologies which the REA Bioenergy Strategy has recently demonstrated could sustainably account for 16% of the UK’s primary energy needs by 2030.
“Implementing the whole system change needed to achieve net zero in the timeframe we have is challenging and complicated. To do this, we need to ensure cross-party cooperation and well-thought-out policies entrenched in fairness, science and practicality.”
