Common Biomass Sustainability Framework Consultation

Summary

DESNZ proposes a unified biomass sustainability framework to standardise criteria across sectors including power generation, applying consistent carbon and ecological standards to all biomass use. The framework would affect existing biomass generators and future CfD allocations. The consultation runs until early 2025 with implementation expected by 2026.

Why it matters

The framework creates a single gatekeeper for biomass eligibility across support schemes, potentially tightening standards that currently vary by sector. This could exclude marginal biomass projects from CfD rounds while creating compliance costs for existing generators, as such centralising sustainability decisions that markets currently price through different risk premiums.

Key facts

• •Framework applies to power generation, heat, and transport sectors
• •Aims to strengthen carbon accounting and biodiversity protection criteria
• •Would replace sector-specific sustainability requirements with unified standards

Timeline

Areas affected

Related programmes