Letter: The bioenergy resource model referred to in a Guardian article is a scenario-planning document, not official policy, writes Trevor Hutchings
The bioenergy resource model referred to in your article (Anger at UK’s ‘bonkers’ plan to reach net zero by importing fuel from North Korea, 9 October) is a scenario-planning document, setting out what biomass could be available and from where. It is not, and should not be viewed as, official government policy or reflective of industry sourcing intention.
Members of the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) are committed to upholding the UK’s strong sustainability governance arrangements, which ensure biomass is only imported where it can be demonstrated to be done correctly. We expect these arrangements to be further enhanced with the publication of the cross-sectoral sustainability framework, as committed to in the biomass strategy.
The role of sustainable biomass is recognised within all credible scenarios for getting to net zero. This includes being combined with bioenergy carbon capture and storage to deliver critical carbon removals and help tackle dangerous climate change.
Trevor Hutchings
Chief executive, REA
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