Britain's Growing Reliance on Biomass Power Amid Controversy

Britain's dependence on biomass power has reached unprecedented levels, with wood pellets accounting for 9% of the country's electricity generation in July 2025, marking its highest monthly share to date. This reliance surged further when biomass contributed nearly 17% of the electricity supply during a particularly low renewable energy period in September. The Drax biomass plant in North Yorkshire, the largest of its kind in the UK, has been pivotal in this trend, generating substantial revenue from government subsidies despite ongoing debates about the environmental impact of biomass energy.

The Guardian

In February 2025, the UK government established a new subsidy agreement with Drax, allowing the company to earn over £1 million daily from energy bills while committing to operate its biomass facilities for just over a quarter of the time, a significant reduction from the previous two-thirds. Energy Minister Michael Shanks criticized the earlier subsidy structure, stating it failed to provide a fair deal for consumers and allowed Drax to reap excessive profits. Despite these cuts, analysts predict that Drax will continue to receive substantial financial support, with projections of £458.6 million annually from 2027 to 2031.

The Guardian

The surge in biomass usage has drawn criticism from environmental groups, particularly regarding Drax's sourcing practices. A report from Stand.earth, a Canadian environmental non-profit, indicated that Drax has been burning wood from ancient forests, including 250-year-old trees, while advocating for additional green energy subsidies. Drax maintains that it sources wood from "well-managed, sustainable forests" and does not utilize biomass from designated old-growth areas. However, the report highlights concerns about the sustainability of these practices, as less than half of British Columbia's old-growth forests are protected.

The Guardian

In response to the Stand.earth report, a Drax spokesperson emphasized that the company’s sourcing policy is designed to avoid old-growth forests and focuses on using low-grade wood typically discarded by sawmills. Dr. Iain Staffell, a professor at Imperial College London, noted that the rising power demand, driven by the transition to electric vehicles and increased data center usage, presents challenges for the electricity supply, particularly during periods of low renewable energy generation.

The Guardian

Critics argue that Britain's increasing reliance on biomass is counterproductive to environmental goals. Frankie Mayo, an analyst at the climate thinktank Ember, stated that while the UK is moving towards cleaner energy sources like wind and solar, the current dependence on biomass remains problematic. The anticipated reduction in public subsidies for Drax from 2027 is seen as a necessary step towards decreasing reliance on what many consider a polluting fuel.

The Guardian

Discrepancies exist regarding the environmental impact of biomass energy. While Drax asserts its commitment to sustainable sourcing, reports from environmental organizations suggest otherwise, raising questions about the long-term viability of biomass as a green energy solution. The debate continues as the UK navigates its energy transition amidst growing demand and environmental scrutiny.

The Guardian

• “Frankie Mayo, an analyst at the climate thinktank, said: “Britain remains too reliant on polluting fuels, including biomass.” — Frankie Mayo, Analyst, Ember

The Guardian

• “Our sourcing policy means Drax does not source biomass from designated areas of old growth and only sources woody biomass from well-managed, sustainable forests.” — Drax Spokesperson

The Guardian