On 2 December 2025, the UK government launched a public biomass consultation on creating a common sustainability framework for biomass. The aim is to bring existing rules into alignment and strengthen oversight across all sectors where biomass is used, including power generation, heat, transport, and industrial applications.
For businesses operating within the biomass supply chain, this consultation represents a significant and timely development.
UK Biomass Consultation on Sustainability Standards
Biomass currently accounts for around 10% of the UK’s total energy mix, and the government has made it clear that it sees biomass as a long-term contributor to net-zero, particularly when paired with carbon capture technologies.
What the Biomass Consultation Proposes
The biomass consultation outlines plans to introduce tighter, unified sustainability rules across all government-backed biomass schemes, including:
- Green Gas Support Scheme
- Contracts for Difference (CfD)
- Sustainable Aviation Fuel Mandate
Key Areas Covered in the Biomass Consultation
The proposed framework focuses on several critical areas designed to improve consistency and accountability across the sector:
- Land-use and greenhouse gas (GHG) criteria
- Monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) requirements
- Clearer definitions of feedstock types and origins
- Alignment with international sustainability standards
Together, these measures aim to ensure that biomass used in the UK delivers genuine carbon and environmental benefits.
What This Biomass Consultation Means for Biomass Suppliers
For businesses like ours, the message is clear. Sustainable sourcing, full traceability, and transparent emissions reporting are no longer optional. They are essential for long-term market access and continued participation in government-supported schemes.
Importantly, the UK’s intention is not to limit the use of biomass, but to strengthen confidence in responsibly sourced biomass. When managed correctly, biomass remains a renewable, reliable, and scalable energy solution.
We support a future where biomass is recognised not only for its energy output, but for its full environmental contribution within a balanced and accountable energy system.
The biomass consultation is open until 27 February 2026, and we encourage all stakeholders across the supply chain to engage. This is an opportunity to help shape a framework that supports innovation, credibility, and long-term sustainability, ensuring biomass remains a trusted part of the UK’s clean energy future.
