Developing an alternative framework for sustainable biomass policy design to support the UK's transition to net zero

Abstract

Beyond the technical challenge of defossilising energy systems to address the climate emergency, the transition to renewable energy is a process of political, economic, and social change. Biomass is unique as the only renewable source of carbon, yet its sustainable deployment faces significant barriers within policy. This research explores the political economy of biomass use within the context of the United Kingdom’s (UK) net-zero targets, addressing a critical gap in understanding the non-technical factors shaping biomass policy. A political economy approach enabled the analysis of how socio-political and economic systems influence biomass policy design and implementation. A systematic literature review provides the theoretical foundation, while qualitative data from twenty-six semi-structured interviews with stakeholders, including policymakers, industry representatives, and non-governmental organisations, provide valuable insights into policy drivers, impacts, and trade-offs associated with biomass use. Results show that UK biomass policy is influenced by a desire to focus on economic growth opportunities while achieving carbon emission reductions. However, the benefits of biomass use are centralised, leading to many of the benefits being disconnected from local communities. This fuels public perception that biomass is being exploited for profits rather than to support people and the planet. Bringing biomass out from behind the scenes and redistributing benefits to a wider set of stakeholders has the potential to mobilise greater political support for its continued use to achieve net zero. Considering this, an alternative policy framework emphasising decentralisation, cross-sectoral integration, and equitable benefit distribution is proposed. The framework aims to maximise the potential for biomass to contribute to the transition to a net zero energy system while enhancing environmental and social capacity. By highlighting the deficiencies in the political economy of biomass use in the UK, this research addresses the gap in understanding of the non-technical factors shaping biomass policy design.