New data from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero reveals a noticeable shift in the UK’s renewable energy landscape during the first quarter of 2025. Energy generated from biomass and waste sources has dropped by nearly 5% compared to the same period last year, signalling a broader re-evaluation of biomass within the national energy strategy.
What’s behind the decline in biomass production?
Several factors are contributing to this downward trend:
- Government policy changes: The UK has announced plans to cut subsidies for large-scale biomass plants by 50% by 2027. This policy shift is designed to reduce public expenditure and ensure that only the most sustainable biomass practices receive support
- Rising competition: Wind and solar energy are now more cost-effective and are being rolled out faster across the country. This makes it increasingly difficult for biomass to maintain its previous share of the energy mix.
- Environmental scrutiny: There is growing debate around the carbon neutrality of biomass, especially as the UK sharpens its focus on reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Policymakers are demanding stronger evidence that biomass sources are genuinely sustainable.
The numbers at a glance
- Overall primary energy production in the UK dropped by 1.5% in Q1 2025.
- Renewable electricity generation fell by 4.9 percentage points, now making up 46.3% of the UK’s electricity mix.
- Bioenergy production decreased by 2.9%, reaching 9.7 terawatt hours (TWh).
- Solid biomass, municipal solid waste (MSW), and biogas all experienced modest declines.
- Solar power, however, saw an increase, partially offsetting reductions in hydro and wind.
Is biomass still part of the UK’s renewable energy future?
Biomass has long played a crucial role in the UK’s renewable energy strategy due to its ability to provide flexible, low-carbon electricity. But its share of total renewable generation slipped to 12.1% in early 2025, down from about 13% the previous year.
While biomass won’t disappear overnight, its role is clearly evolving. Future investment and support will likely focus on smaller, sustainable biomass applications and waste-to-energy solutions that meet stricter environmental standards.
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