WRA welcomes government review backing for waste wood biomass in greenhouse gas removals

The Wood Recyclers’ Association (WRA) has welcomed the findings of an independent government-commissioned review into Greenhouse Gas Removals (GGR), published on 23 October, which recommends extending support for waste wood-powered biomass plants capable of delivering GGRs.
The review, led by former minister Dr Alan Whitehead CBE, examined how technologies such as large-scale bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) can help the UK meet its net zero targets, and sets out a series of recommendations for government action.
Crucially, the review calls for “urgent” consideration of extending support for the waste wood biomass sector following the scheduled end of the Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROCs) subsidy scheme in 2027.
It highlights the sector’s important dual role in managing waste wood and its potential to transition to GGRs, recommending the “extension of unabated electricity generation support” to allow time for plants to convert to BECCS.
The report also emphasises the need for better collaboration between government departments, particularly Defra and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), and urges Defra to take the lead in determining the future of these facilities due to its responsibility for waste management.
Richard Coulson, Chair of the WRA’s Biomass Advocacy Group, said: “We welcome this landmark review and all the hard work put in by Dr Alan Whitehead, David Joffe and their team.
“The message in the review is clear – if the government is serious about greenhouse gas removals and effective waste management, then it must look at providing transitional support for the waste wood biomass sector and fast-track non-pipeline transport solutions.”
Coulson added that retrofitting existing plants with GGRs could save up to 3.6 million tonnes of CO₂ per year, while continuing to deliver renewable baseload energy and valuable environmental services.
“This potential can only be unlocked if the government supports the sector to transition to BECCS before it is too late, and these valuable assets are lost,” he said.
“We look forward to the government’s response and hope these recommendations are reflected in urgent and supportive policy for our sector.”