Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Politics : Rat's Nest - Chronicles of Collapse -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Wharf Rat who wrote (2852)	10/26/2005 12:41:48 PM
From: Wharf Rat	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 24246

Biomass energy report criticised Forests could help tackle climate change, say environmentalists Biomass, which sees crops grown for use as environmentally friendly fuels, should be used to generate heat, a year-long task force study concluded. But critics say the recommendations do not go far enough as energy suppliers are not required to source a percentage of heating fuel from renewable sources. The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) said it is "bitterly disappointed" at the conclusions. Last year the Biomass Task Force was set up to stimulate renewable energy. Material like willow, poplar, sawdust, straw, and wood from forests are all suitable for use as a renewable energy source. The Biomass Task Force has unveiled 42 recommendations, including a call for the introduction of capital grants to fund more biomass heating boilers. The Chairman of the task force, Sir Ben Gill, presented the findings of the year-long study to Defra and the DTI, whose secretaries of state jointly commissioned the report. Sir Ben said: "What many see as tomorrow's fuel is here today. We estimate there could be 20m tonnes of biomass available annually. "The challenge for the government now is to unlock this vast potential. "We have suggested several ways to develop this industry which has a vital role in climate change, sustainable development throughout the country and economic activity in rural areas." But the CLA criticised the task force's conclusion that a Renewable Heat Obligation would be "unworkable". A Renewable Heat Obligation would require energy suppliers to source a percentage of heating fuel from a range of renewable sources, such as willow, straw, solar power and ground heat. Mark Hudson, CLA president, said: "Our ageing nuclear power plants mean that our future energy supply is uncertain. Astonished "Renewable heat offers a far greater carbon saving at a much lower cost than renewable electricity. "With this backdrop, we are astonished that the Biomass Task Force is rejecting the Renewable Heat Obligation model." And Friends of the Earth said that without a renewable heat obligation firms will be unwilling to invest in biomass technology and farmers would be less likely to plant slow growing biomass crops, the group said. Friends of the Earth Climate Campaigner Katie Elliott said: "Supporting renewable heat is going to be critical in the fight against climate change. "The government is struggling to meet its carbon dioxide targets and should be listening to the very businesses and farmers who will be investing in renewable heat. Biomass drawbacks? "An obligation would promote sustainable technologies across the board which is ultimately what we need." But the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds warned that biomass crops may not be the environmental panacea that many consider it to be. Instead of helping to cut the greenhouse gas emissions that are causing climate change, their conversion to vehicle fuel may worsen the problem by increasing emissions, the group said. Ministers hoped the task force, which was set up by the government, would help the UK to meet its targets for using renewable energy. news.bbc.co.uk