Yorkshire and Humber Vision for Biomass

Rosie Winterton MP, Regional Minister for Yorkshire and the Humber, will next week launch a new report looking at the future of biomass technologies in the region.

The Yorkshire and Humber Vision for Biomass Summary Report has been developed by consultants AEA Energy and Environment on behalf of the Yorkshire and Humber Assembly, Yorkshire Forward and Government Office for Yorkshire and the Humber in response to a number of targets and aspirations that are driving bioenergy in the region.

These include the Regional Energy Infrastructure Strategy, which calls for a biomass action plan to be put together to help bioenergy develop in a sustainable manner, and the Draft Regional Spatial Strategy, which states that 10% of energy required for new developments must come from on-site renewable energy sources.

The launch, which takes place on Monday 17 March at Bradford City Hall, will see speakers from AEA, the Forestry Commission and Bradford Council discuss biomass initiatives to date and opportunities to develop the industry within the region. Bradford Council will also be showcasing their recently installed biomass boiler in the basement of the City Hall.

What they say about the Yorkshire and Humber Vision for Biomass Report

Rosie Winterton MP, Minister for Yorkshire and the Humber said, "I welcome this important report, which addresses the green energy agenda, and am particularly pleased to see that Yorkshire and the Humber region has responded quickly to the UK Biomass strategy. Biomass energy will help us meet our greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and renewable energy obligations."

David Bowe, Chair of the Regional Energy Forum, said “Biomass energy can make a significant contribution to moving this region towards a low carbon economy. This report sets out a vision for biomass for the next decade and includes an action plan which will help to achieve this vision.”

“While there are already developments across Yorkshire and Humber which provide a firm base for biomass in the future, the vision set out in this report, along with the action plan and its key priority actions, builds on this work to help develop a sustainable biomass industry for the Yorkshire and Humber region.”

Notes to news editors/photographers

For more information, or if you would like to attend, please contact Jodie Speight at the Yorkshire and Humber Assembly on 01924 331603; email jodie.speight@yhassembly.gov.uk

The report and the presentations from the day are available from this link.