BIOMASS AND BIOLIQUIDS FOR ELECTRICITY GENERATION

Early day motion 2428, tabled 14 November 2011 by Caroline Lucas (Green). Signed by 23 members.

That this House is concerned that increased use of biomass and bioliquids for electricity generation is likely to have substantial negative impacts on global hunger, biodiversity and on climate change; notes that over 75 per cent. of UK biofuels are imported and that as much as 44 per cent. of global land deals in 2009 were for biofuels; further notes that existing and planned large-scale bio-electricty power stations in the UK are inefficient and wasteful of fuel, typically having a conversion efficiency of 30 to 35 per cent. compared to the EU Renewable Energy Directive's aspiration for biomass energy use to be at least 70 per cent. efficient; is also concerned that existing biofuels sustainability criteria are weak and assessment for compliance is entirely dependent on self-reporting from fuel suppliers; is further concerned that a focus on bio-energy could distract attention from genuine ways of combating climate change; and therefore calls on the Government to remove the existing financial incentives for biomass and bioliquid electricity in the Renewables Obligation when the forthcoming review of banding is implemented in April 2013 so that this support can be directed towards other renewable energy sources.

Signatures by party: Labour 9, Liberal Democrat 9, Plaid Cymru 2, Conservative 1, Green 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.