New figures from the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero reveal that biomass and waste energy generation fell by nearly 5% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year. This decline reflects a broader trend as the UK reassesses the role of biomass within its renewable energy mix.
The decrease in biomass energy production can be attributed to a combination of factors. Recent changes in government policy have had a significant impact, with plans announced to reduce subsidies for large-scale biomass power plants by 50% by 2027. This move aims to lower public spending on biomass energy while tightening sustainability requirements to ensure environmental goals are met.
Economic considerations also play a role, as biomass power faces increasing competition from other renewable sources such as wind and solar, which have become more cost-competitive and widely deployed across the UK.
Historically, biomass has been an important part of the UK’s renewable energy strategy, providing a flexible and dispatchable source of low-carbon power. However, with the government’s renewed focus on achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, there is growing scrutiny on the sustainability and carbon neutrality of biomass fuel sources.
UK biomass energy output drops in early 2025
