Policy frameworks to maximize sustainability benefits of bioenergy systems

Abstract Background Bioenergy is a significant contributor to renewable power generation, renewable transport fuel and renewable heat. However, the deployed capacity significantly lags identified potential and has not seen the same rapid response to policy stimuli observed in the solar and wind sectors. This work analyses the historical trajectory of UK bioenergy development to discern potential underpinning reasons for that. Results It is noted that the technology landscape is arguably more complex than in other renewables, with multiple feedstocks, pre-treatment and conversion technologies involved in potentially hundreds of different pathways/combinations; not all of these pathways/combinations deliver greenhouse gas reductions, and most have other impacts (positive and negative) that go beyond energy and greenhouse gas balances to interact with atmospheric, aquatic, land, economic and social systems. We apply a risk management approach to show how disaggregation of the system can support more appropriate decision-making and provide greater resilience to the inherent variability associated with natural, land-based systems. Conclusions It is concluded that disaggregation of bioenergy systems into 3 sub-systems allows management of the most significant risks to be placed with the parties most able to deal with them and that a simple, semi-quantitative assessment of the performance of each sub-system facilitates an effective ranking of the “best” use of biomass in line with policy objectives; supporting effective decision making about priority feedstocks, technologies and demand sectors.