Written question asked by Peter Atkinson (Conservative) on Thursday, 11 December 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 December 2008. It was answered by Mike O'Brien (Labour) on Monday, 12 January 2009 on behalf of the Department of Energy and Climate Change.

Biomass

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether (a) the effect on existing wood industries and (b) the sustainability of material is taken into account in deciding whether to grant planning permission for large-scale biomass energy projects of 50 megawatts and over.

Answer: The sourcing and purchasing of biomass for power generation is a matter for the developer. However, previous biomass generating stations consented by the Secretary of State have included conditions aimed at ensuring only sustainable biomass is used. The Government are also introducing a sustainability reporting requirement for generators using biomass to generate electricity with a net capacity greater than 50kW, to take effect from 1 April 2009, as part of the reform of the renewables obligation.

Secondary information