New Research Questions Sustainability of Wood-Burning Power Generation

Recent research indicates that burning wood for power generation may be more detrimental to the climate than burning natural gas, even when carbon dioxide emissions are captured and stored. This study, conducted by researchers from the United States, United Kingdom, and China, challenges the viability of bio-energy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) as a sustainable energy solution. The findings suggest that achieving "negative emissions" through wood-burning power could take up to 150 years, primarily due to the lengthy regrowth period of forests and the environmental impact of converting existing land for biomass production.

The Guardian

The implications of this research are significant for government policies, particularly in the UK, where subsidies for wood-burning power generation have been substantial. Drax power station, the largest single source of CO2 emissions in the UK, received nearly £1 billion in subsidies last year for its biomass operations. Critics, including Douglas Parr from Greenpeace UK, argue that cutting down trees for energy production undermines global carbon reduction efforts. They advocate for a halt to wood-burning power generation, emphasizing the need for genuinely clean energy sources.

The Guardian

Drax has paused its investment in BECCS, citing uncertainty regarding government subsidies. A spokesperson for Drax stated that they only source biomass from well-managed, sustainable forests and emphasized their commitment to monitoring and enhancing supply chain transparency. However, they acknowledged that the assumptions made in the research regarding biomass sourcing do not align with their practices.

The Guardian

Trevor Hutchings, chief executive of the Renewable Energy Association, highlighted the complexities surrounding BECCS, noting that achieving the UK’s net-zero targets by 2050 relies on such technologies. He pointed out that the lifecycle emissions of BECCS depend significantly on the choice of feedstock, with waste and residues yielding better outcomes.

The Guardian

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has rejected the findings of the study, stating, “We do not recognise these claims.” They emphasized that no final decisions regarding large-scale bioenergy projects have been made and that any support would need to provide value for taxpayers while meeting sustainability criteria.

The Guardian

Critics of wood-burning power generation argue that it is counterproductive to climate goals. Tim Searchinger, a senior research scholar at Princeton University and lead author of the study, warned against government subsidies for wood-burning, asserting that such policies would increase carbon emissions and energy prices. Matt Williams from the Natural Resources Defense Council echoed this sentiment, advocating for a shift towards cleaner energy alternatives.

The Guardian

While the study presents a strong case against wood-burning power, industry representatives maintain that sustainable practices can mitigate negative impacts. The debate continues over the efficacy of BECCS and the role of biomass in achieving climate goals, with differing opinions on the sustainability of current practices.

The Guardian

• “Photograph: Vuk Valcic/Zuma Press Wire/Rex/Shutterstock Tim Searchinger, a senior research scholar at Princeton University, who led the study, said: “Governments should not subsidise burning wood from existing forests, with or without carbon capture and storage.” — Tim Searchinger, Senior Research Scholar, Princeton University

The Guardian

• “Douglas Parr, the chief scientist at Greenpeace UK, said: “Common sense tells you that cutting down trees to burn them and then burying the resulting carbon emissions is a bad idea.” — Douglas Parr, Chief Scientist, Greenpeace UK

The Guardian

• “The paper highlights many of the complexities and risks around BECCS, yet it’s important to recognise that, without BECCS and other forms of negative emissions, we will not achieve our legally binding net zero targets,” — Trevor Hutchings, Chief Executive, Renewable Energy Association

The Guardian