Scotland's biomass vision: 700,000 hectares by 2050

Currently, the country has around 10,000 hectares of miscanthus and 2,000 hectares of short rotation forestry crops, with plans to expand this to 23,000 hectares annually.

Biomass Connect are an organisation established to promote the biomass industry in the UK and educate those within agricultural and rural communities to its benefits.

Biomass refers to organic material derived from living organisms. In the context of the Biomass Connect project, it specifically pertains to non-food crops that are fully harvested for various uses, including heat, power, fuel and cosmetics.

Notably, the carbon captured by these biomass crops is contemporary carbon, unlike the ancient form found in fossil fuels, whose use contributes to a net increase in CO2.

As the demand for electricity rises, particularly with the increasing adoption of electric vehicles, the need for sustainable energy sources is more critical than ever.

Biomass Connect have eight sites across the UK each trialling a variety of different crops Many organisations, such as the UK’s leading energy supplier DRAX, are looking to biomass crops as a vital component of their energy strategy.

These crops not only generate renewable energy but also play a crucial role in restoring nutrients to depleted and fallow land. This dual benefit could significantly bolster rural employment, providing new opportunities in the agricultural sector.

To facilitate this transition, eight demonstration sites are currently operating across the UK, including two in Scotland. These sites serve as experimental grounds, allowing researchers to test various crops under different conditions.

Mark Needham, a ‘knowledge exchange fellow’ at Biomass Connect explained: “These sites are there to take the risk away from farmers; they allow different crops to be tested in different conditions to build the knowledge and provide evidence to farm businesses across the UK.

“Using the research we have conducted farmers can make informed decisions as to what best suits them, without the financial risk.”

Mr Needham continued, suggesting that in areas of poor arable growth, the introduction of short-rotation forestry or perennial grasses would benefit landowners ecologically and financially.

So far, there are two varieties of miscanthus commercially viable, and can be annually harvested. The crops are topped after year one then given a residual spray to eradicate weeds.

Short-rotation forestry can provide sources of energy, heating, insulation and be used in livestock care. The second year should produce results of 7-8t/ha of dry matter which can be baled, burned or bedded, with the third year likely to produce 10t/ha; with the same projection for the following 17 years. These perennial grasses also require no fertiliser, cutting overheads, and work well as bedding for livestock given its fibrous nature.

With a crop establishment period of approximately 18 months, these projects represent a significant step towards a greener, more sustainable future for Scotland’s agricultural landscape.

However, with no grants available to support the introduction of these biomass crops and establishment costs at around £2,000per/ha, there are concerns that many may be discouraged if grants for short rotation forestry are not forthcoming.

Ultimately, securing the necessary funding will be essential to unlock the full potential of biomass crops and drive Biomass Connects’ push toward a more sustainable agricultural future.