The figures have revealed that waste wood biomass – which makes up roughly two thirds of the UK market for waste wood – saved almost three-quarters of a million (701,000) tonnes of carbon emissions in 2023 when compared to the likely displaced energy generation.
These savings could be increased to 3.6 million tonnes of carbon savings if these plants were fitted with carbon capture and storage technology (CCS). This could represent 16% of the government’s target to capture 23MtCO2/year by 2035.
‘Critical role that the waste wood sector plays’
Richard Jenkins, WRA board member and the chair of the working group, said: “We are delighted to launch these figures today which provide further evidence of the critical role that our sector plays not just in the circular economy but also in helping to deliver net zero.
“Our sector helps to lock away carbon in products made from recycled wood and then at the end of their life they are used to produce low-carbon renewable energy – supporting a carbon neutral energy system.
“For biomass, our data also shows the potential for UK plants to deliver even greater carbon benefits in future, with the introduction of carbon and capture and storage technology.”
“Many thanks to Ugo Gasparino from RWE Generation who was instrumental in building the carbon savings model and providing invaluable support to the working group.”
Calculating the figures
The figures were calculated using a model peer-reviewed by certification body Kiwa in August 2024, utilising the WRA’s most recent waste wood statistics from 2023.
The carbon data represents the culmination of two years of work by the WRA’s Net Zero working group, which aimed to quantify the carbon benefits that the waste wood sector provides in addition to its contribution to the circular economy.
Richard Coulson, chair of the WRA, added: “We are delighted that Kiwa has supported what our modelling has shown, that waste wood biomass prevented 701,000 tonnes of carbon emissions in 2023.
“It is now really important that we are given urgent clarity from government about support for our sector post ROCS. In particular, our plants need transitional support to give them time to introduce carbon capture and storage technology and we need confirmation that Non-Pipeline Transport options can be linked to the Greenhouse Gas Removals Business Model.
“We need to ensure we make the most of these assets because if we don’t our potential to deliver 3.6 million tonnes of carbon savings will be lost.”
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