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NNFCC
The Bioeconomy Consultants

Report Title: NNFCC Barriers to Bioenergy Matrix
Project Number: 12-022

April 2012
A report for DECC
URN: 12D/082

Author(s)
Fiona McDermott, NNFCC Consultant
Lucy Hopwood, NNFCC Head of Biomass and Biogas
Dr Geraint Evans, NNFCC Head of Biofuels and Bioenergy

Disclaimer

NNFCC
NNFCC
The Bioeconomy Consultants

Report Title: NNFCC Barriers to Bioenergy Matrix
Project Number: 12-022

April 2012
A report for DECC
URN: 12D/082

Author(s)
Fiona McDermott, NNFCC Consultant
Lucy Hopwood, NNFCC Head of Biomass and Biogas
Dr Geraint Evans, NNFCC Head of Biofuels and Bioenergy

Disclaimer

While NNFCC considers that the information and opinions given in this work are
sound, all parties must rely on their own skill and judgement when making use of
it. NNFCC does not make any representation or warranty, expressed or implied,
as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this report
and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such
information. NNFCC will not assume any liability to anyone for any loss or
damage arising out of the provision of this report.

NNFCC
NNFCC is a leading international consultancy with expertise on the conversion of
biomass to bioenergy, biofuels and bio-based products.
Introduction
NNFCC were asked to compile this matrix of barriers to deployment for
bioenergy in the UK by DECC.

The aim of this project was to collect existing information on the barriers that
bioenergy across electricity, heat and transport faces both in terms of
technology specific barriers and fuel barriers. The intention was not to replicate
existing work but to pull this together across all three sectors in a single location
and also try to identify mitigating actions that government, related bodies as
well as industry could be taking to help address these barriers.

This database is available from www.nnfcc.co.uk and www.decc.gov.uk.
Sector Technology Size Fuel used Barrier

Combined heat All All all Lack of district heat networks.
and power

Combined heat Solid biomass All Woodchip/bioma Consumer unwillingness to sign heat
and power combustion ss pellets offtake agreements.

Electricity All All All Cost and timing of grid connection -
and inflexible quotation request
process.
Electricity Anaerobic All All (esp. wastes) Cost of regulatory compliance is
digestion prohibitive, especially when using
wastes. Waste definitions are often
confusing, with differing definitions
dependent on source and
destination of material.

Electricity Anaerobic All Slurry/residues/wa Supermarkets are reticent to
digestion ste/crops accept food grown on land where
digestate has been spread before.

Electricity Anaerobic All Slurry/residues/wa Lack of skilled technicians/
digestion ste/crops operatives - there is a need for
installers and maintenance
engineers plus skilled biologists to
maximise gas yields.

Electricity Anaerobic All Slurry/residues/wa Waste carrier licences are required
digestion ste/crops if importing third party waste or
residues.

Electricity Anaerobic All Slurry/residues/wa Land suitable for disposal may be
digestion ste/crops limited. Hence there could be a
lack of secure disposal route
for digestate.
Electricity Anaerobic All Slurry/residues/wa AD Plants are unfamiliar to planners
digestion ste/crops who are concerned by transport
issues and perceived problems with
odours and appearance.

Electricity Anaerobic All Slurry/residues/wa Overall GHG emissions abatement
digestion ste/crops can be reduced by emissions of
N2O, ammonia and methane from
digestate storage and spreading.

Electricity Anaerobic Small scale Slurry / residues Lack of affordable technology
digestion (<100kWe) available to make this scale cost-
effective with current incentives
Electricity EfW incineration All Waste Local opposition can make it
difficult for some EfW plant to get
planning permission and can often
cause signifcant delays for other
EfW projects.

Electricity Gasification Medium Waste, virgin Lack of experience in producing
>5MWe biomass sufficiently clean syngas for fuelling
engines and gas turbines (which
require an even cleaner syngas) -
there are very few projects in the
world where a gasifier fuels an
engine (see chart below); most fuel
a boiler.
Electricity Gasification Medium Waste, virgin There is a lack of experience in
>5MWe biomass operating gasifiers. Technology
requirements are: need a robust
feedstock handling system (just
needs recognising - it's eminently
"doable"); need more work on gas
cleaning, in particular, hot gas
cleaning.

Electricity Gasification All MSW, virgin wood, Access to finance due to concerns
waste wood, about technology viabilitiy. In part
other wastes. due to lack of reference plants for
investors to base key decisions
upon.

Electricity Gasification All MSW Possibility that if R1 status is
misunderstood by LAs and other
stakeholders then MSW may be
diverted to EfW plant with R1 status,
rather than gasification.

Electricity Gasification All MSW The perceived technology risk acts
as a barrier to securing waste
feedstock contracts
Electricity Pyrolysis oil All All Lack of support for pyrolysis oil
combustion production on a separate to power
generation (or other use).

Electricity Solid biomass Medium (50- Local Fuel supply chains are still immature
combustion 300MWe) woodfuel/energy and the distribution infrastructure
crops that is required for large-scale
operations is usually not available.

Electricity Solid biomass Medium (50- All Lack of port infrastructure.
combustion 300MWe)

Electricity Solid biomass All All Unreliable feedstock supply due to
combustion a lack of intermediaries that are
creditworthy and have a variety of
contracts that enable them to
mitigate climatic, price and other
risks.
Electricity Solid biomass Large All Poor alternative fuel delivery
combustion (>300MWe) infrastructure, e.g. rail networks.

Electricity/heat Pyrolysis All All Technology is still in its infancy and
not currently viable.

Electricity/heat Pyrolysis oil All All Technology not yet proven.
combustion
Electricity/transport Gasification All All High costs, in particular for synthetic
fuels from solid waste biomass.
Even for electricity and heat,
bankability is difficult and getting
Engineering, Procurement and
Construction (EPC) wraps is very
challenging.

Heat Anaerobic >200kWth All Absence of RHI tariff.
digestion

Heat Bioliquid Domestic B30K/B50K Uneconomic due to lack of RHI.
combustion (<25kWth)

Heat Bioliquid Domestic B30K/B50K Conversion of existing boilers proves
combustion (<25kWth) difficult.

Heat Bioliquid Small (25kW- B30K/B50K Uneconomic due to lack of RHI.
combustion 200kWth)

Heat Bioliquid All B30K/B50K Lack of fuel supply chains.
combustion
Heat Bioliquid All Biodiesel/UCO/py Uneconomic due to lack of RHI.
combustion rolysis oil

Heat Biomethane <1MW All Over regulation of biomethane
injection requires unecessary processing at
upgarding stage - not cost
effective at smaller scale.

Heat Biomethane All All Cost of grid connection and lack of
injection suitable injection points.

Heat Biomethane All All Lack of engagement by the gas
injection network operators

Heat Biomethane All All Development and regulatory
injection compliance costs are prohibitive;
especially where waste feedstocks
are used, then the biomethane
becomes a waste and is more
stringently regulated

Heat Pyrolysis oil All All Uneconomic due to lack of RHI.
combustion
Heat Solid biomass Domestic Wood pellets/logs Uneconomic due to lack of RHI.
combustion (<25kWth)

Heat Solid biomass Domestic Wood pellets/logs Biomass and pellet boilers and room
combustion (<25kWth) heaters are unfamiliar to most of the
UK population.

Heat Solid biomass Domestic Wood pellets Limited choice of fuel suppliers and
combustion (<25kWth) unfamiliar fuel.

Heat Solid biomass Domestic Wood pellets Consumer unwilling to load fuel
combustion (<25kWth) manually.
Heat Solid biomass Domestic Wood pellets Poor fit to household usage pattern.
combustion (<25kWth)

Heat Solid biomass All Woodchips / Biomass boilers need space for fuel
combustion pellets storage. This is not always available
for retrofitted systems and designers
of new buildings often don’t allow
sufficient space.

Heat Solid biomass All Woodchips / Disruption to existing system and
combustion pellets potential incompatability with
certain building types (e.g. listed).
Heat Solid biomass Medium Woodchip/bioma Air quality legislation prevents
combustion (200kW- ss pellets installation.
1MWth)

Heat Solid biomass Large Woodchip/bioma Direct air heating not eligible for
combustion (>1MWth) ss pellets RHI.
Heat Solid biomass All Woodchip/bioma The lack of trained and
combustion ss pellets appropriately accredited biomass
boiler installers restricting the
deployment of biomass heat.
Potential customers have only a
very small number of providers from
whom they can request services.

Heat Biomass district All Woodchip/bioma Buying a metered supply of energy
heating ss pellets in the form of hot water is unfamiliar
to most of the UK population.
Heat Biomass district All Woodchip/bioma High capital cost.
heating ss pellets

Heat Biomass district All Woodchip/bioma Consumers may resist the long term
heating ss pellets contracts necessary to finance DH
infrastructure fearing price rises
after a monopoly position is
established.

Heat Biomass district All Woodchip/bioma Urban networks will require
heating ss pellets substantial excavation and
pipelaying works which will require
denial of use of some facilities and
traffic diversions.
Heat Biomass district All Woodchip/bioma Lack of district heat networks.
heating ss pellets

Transport All All Sustainability concerns which are
not part of the sustainability criteria.

Transport All All Residues/crops/fo In current market conditions
restry biomass is preferentially directed
toward heating and power
generation.
Transport Gasification/pyr All All Policy uncertainty around biofuels
olysis and the incentive structure.
Transport All All MSW/other The supply of waste biomass is
wastes limited and the Waste Hierarchy
drives biodegradable wastes to
composting and AD. Deviation
from this is uncommon and may
make it difficult for advanced
technologies to access waste.

Transport BTL All All BTL processes have high capital
costs and are at present
unattractive to investors

Transport Introducing All Bioethanol Forecourts not equipped to supply
high blend high blends
biofuels
Expected impact of barrier on Possible mitigation measure
deployment Government (including devolved Industry
and regulatory bodies)

Expansion of district heating is Utilise expertise within the CHPA and
required if we are to see the from case studies such as
widespread take up of the most Southampton, Aberdeen, and
cost effective and efficient form of Sheffield etc. Spread best practise
biomass heat. guidance documents and use
planning to encourage utilisation of
district heating wherever possible.
Financial support for establishment of
district heat infrastructure, either
through a specific RHI banding or
capital grant programmes.

May prevent and/or delay Encourage/support development of Educate potential customers and
deployment. best practise guidance and use examples of working
awareness raising; and support agreements.
activities of CHPA/Carbon Trust in this
area.

Likely to delay or require plants to DECC & Ofgem working with DNOs DNOs working to develop more
be de-scaled to achieve desired with regard to connection issues as flexilble systems
capacity limits part of Energy Market Issues for
Biomethane projects.
Likely to cause delays or prevent Need to simplify the regulatory Develop standard regulatory
development in some cases. compliance proceedures, either for compliance templates, such as
frequency of reporting or testing, or permit applications, etc.
renewal fees. Also need to be
clearer on definitions, to avoid over
regulation of non-waste feedstock.

Minimal risk of impact on WRAP developing guidance for REA Biofertiliser Scheme and PAS110
deployment, more a confidence producers and users of digestate. should give confidence.
issue with regard to digestate use - WRAP field trials on digestate use.
improving.
Limited availability of skilled Defra AD Strategy Action, led by EU
installers will pose problems for Skills and CIWM to develop training
suppliers. and CPD for suppliers, installers and
operators.

The need of getting a licence might Clarity and consistency required on
put people off, or disuade them waste definitions and EA
from using third party waste. classification of waste.

Minimal risk of impact on The ability of the UK land bank to Cost effective innovative digestate
deployment, more likely to cause a accept digestate as a soil processing technology required, to
delay or frustration later in project. conditioner and fertiliser needs to be separate and make handling /
fully understood. Opportunities and spreading easier.
restrictions need to be clearly
communicated, before project gets
too far in specifying feedstock or
technology.
Minimal; transport is main issue but Issue guidance to planners. Communicate early with the local
only where third party waste is community and the planners.
being brought in. Impact is
lessening as industry grows.

Not likely to prevent development. PAS110 is already encouraging best Agronomists and agricultural
practice in terms of storage and advisers need to be made more
spreading - no need for further policy aware of the issues - to
intervention. communicate to farmers. WRAP are
producing guidance.

Severe - may significantly effect Increased FiTs bands for small-scale Reposes to Challenge Fund by small-
uptake. AD helped but still need to reduce scale technology providers is
technology cost; WRAP Challenge necessary.
Fund intended to help this.
Will restrict level of uptake due to Difficulties with planning due to Developers need to engage
limited site options and may push public perception of EfW could be effectively with local community to
developments towards larger more addressed through a public try and allay concerns.
centralised plant rather than small awareness campaign. PPS 10 (waste)
locally-fed. However it will be up to is being streamlined to make it easier
developers to achieve a balance to get waste facilities through the
between these two options. Delays planning system. Defra's Energy from
to the planning process will have waste guide will look to improve the
cost implciations for the EfW project quality of the debate around EfW by
which can result in increased costs setting out the evidence base on key
to LAs via gate fees. issues of local concern such as
health issues. CLGs have recently
consulted on business rate retention
for renewables which may also help
EfW projects.

Need to deploy both steam cycle Recognise the importance of Investigate technology
and gas engine ACTs if the sector is "standard" gasification and support developments and potential cost
going to fully contribute to RED via the RO reductions.
targets.
If no support is given to simpler Recognise the importance of Investigate technology
gasification systems using boilers "standard" gasification and support developments and potential cost
and furnaces, then will not be able via the RO reductions.
to work up to the more advanced
configurations using engines.

This inability may prevent Assist with project financing, Seek alternative financing
commercialisation, plus delay or potentially through the Green mechanisms
prevent the deployment of ACTs. Investment Bank. Finance
demonstration activities (possibly
through the EIBI Eranet plus).

Delay or prevent the deployment of Government to provide strategic Provide data on process
ACTs guidance and support for ACTs. efficiencies and environmental
Defra's EfW guide will clarify R1 status benefits.
and it's relevance to the wider EfW
technologies. It will also clarify that
R1 is not the only measure of
environmentally sound management
for waste.

Waste contracts are awarded to Government to provide strategic Explore alternative opportunities for
established technologies, guidance and support for ACTs and procuring feedstocks, including C&I
preventing development of ACTs support via the RO to make waste, working with existing waste
economically viable. management companies
This is a key early years deployment RO needs to recognise that power
opportunity which if not supported production can be separate from
could impact long term bio oil production site.
deployment.

Restrict or delay the deployment of Provide sufficient subsidy and long Invest in development of local
biomass power plant; reduce the term certainty to enable industry to supply chains.
value brought to rural economies invest in supply chains.
by instead using imported
feedstocks and associated supply
chains.

Unlikely to prevent deployment Provide sufficient subsidy and long Invest in port infrastructure as
unless end users/supply chain term certainty to enable industry to needed.
partners are unwilling to invest. invest in port upgrading.

Unlikely to prevent deployment, is a Establish supply contracts which are
commercial issue for developers to acceptable to both parties
negotiate in partnership with (supplier/user).
suppliers.
More fuel delivered by road and Evaluate needs of industry in Consider joint investment in rail
higher GHG emissions, increased strategic planning for rail upgrading where appropriate e.g.
likelihood of planning refusal. infrastructure etc. Consider using establishing off-shoots from major
planning to encourage siting of plant rail lines.
near to rail heads.

Prevent uptake of potentially high Provide certain long term support to Invest in R&D.
efficiency, flexible technology. enable and encourage industry
investment. Support demo plant.

May either prevent deployment or Invest in R&D. Support projects Invest in R&D.
increase demand for other heat looking at upgrading pyrolysis oil
technologies (inc fossil). (e.g. carbon trust pyrolysis
challenge). Support refineries if they
want to import pyrolysis oil to
upgrade it (i.e. the green fuel will
end up across the range of refinery
products which woud be difficult
from a policy aspect). Gov should
support use of pyrolysis oil in
boilers/furnaces and not just in more
advanced applications such as
engines and gas turbines which will
not happen if the boiler applications
don't happen first.
Delay or prevent the deployment of Ensure that if expensive processes Provide evidence on costs of
synthetic fuels from waste. are selected as desirable by biofuels in rigorous and open
government that a support system is manner. Seek opportunities to take
designed with as much certainty as advantage of existing assets and
possible synergistic development to reduce
costs. Seek opportunities to reduce
capital costs (e.g. process
intensification) - they will do this
naturally.

Will delay projects and/or prevent Need to actively gather evidence Need to provide evidence to
development at larger scale. and consider the need for a biogas Government, to justify the need for
combustion tariff for >200kWth in the a tariff at this scale
RHI
Deployment levels likely to be very Provide financial subsidy in RHI. Investigate cost reduction
low and only in installations made innovations.
for non-economic reasons.

May either prevent deployment or Assist with technology development Invest in R&D.
mean that users must install a new and provide long term support for
dedicated bioliquids boiler. generation.

Likely to severly affect deployment. Provide financial subsidy in RHI. Investigate cost reduction
Will prevent most installations, if not innovations.
all, from going ahead.

Likely to affect deployment due to Assist in development of first supply Invest in development of local
initial obstacle to industry chains. Provide sufficient subsidy and supply chains.
establishment. long term certainty to enable
industry to invest in expansion.
Likely to severly affect deployment. Provide financial subsidy in RHI. Investigate cost reduction
Will prevent most installations, if not innovations.
all, from going ahead.

Severe - likely to prevent Review regulations to make them Make available clean-up kit
development of biomethane to more in line with other EU countries. appropriate for smaller scale, cost
grid <1MW DECC, Ofgem and Hse to take on effectively.
recommendations from Energy
Market Issues for Biomethane Group.

Severe - likely to restrict RHI - should help cover cost. German Consider centralised injection
development. grid company pays for conenction, points, accepting biomethane from
generator pays for biogas numerous sites.
upgrading.
Likely to delay development. Ofgem to provide guidance for
developers on process to follow for
connecting to grid and to
encourage network operators to
more actively engage at planning
stages of a project.

Will severely restrict deployment EA-led working group are working to Reducing development costs and
levels. address this issue; must be resolved permitting costs by developing
before widespread deployment of templates for standard applications
biomethane is seen. (e.g. ADBA).

Deployment levels likely to be very Provide financial subsidy in RHI. Investigate cost reduction
low and only in installations made innovations.
for non-economic reasons.
Deployment levels likely to be very Provide financial subsidy in RHI. Investigate cost reduction
low and only in installations made innovations.
for non-economic reasons.

May prevent some installations but Information and awareness raising. Conduct marketing and promotion
situation likely to change as Experience from Ireland suggests to raise awarenss.
awareness of technology improves there is relatively little consumer
over time. resistance to change in off grid areas
where pellets are available and
supported by fuel suppliers.

May prevent some installations but Facilitate the building of supply Develop strong customer
situation likely to change as infrastructure. Customer support at relationships and conduct
deployment increases over time. all stages is absolutely critical to a marketing to raise awareness.
successful uptake. Customers need a
relationship that is stronger and more
responsive than their current oil
supplier.

May prevent some installations but Encourage hybrid systems with solar Investigate technology/feedstock
not widespread. or ASHP to reduce load and effort in supply developments which could
shoulder seasons and summer. There assist in this.
is little other mitigation for this barrier
other an the selection of a more
expensive solution with bulk storage.
Unlikely to prevent deployment. Encourage steps which can be
taken balance heat load e.g. which
retain and conserve heat.
Disseminate information on best
practise system design, including
incorporation of heat storage
(accumulator vessels).

Inefficient systems requiring Support education programmes for Ensure that biomass suppliers are
numerous fuel deliveries may be designers/engineers to encourage engaged with the system design
installed. Uptake may be reduced best practise. process from the outset. Make
where insufficient space means adequate provision of fuel storage.
unable to install.

May prevent some installations but Consider review of listed building Investigate technology/engineering
not widespread. Very little can be requirements to enable retrofit of developments to reduce disruption.
done to mitigate this. biomass boilers where appropriate.
May reduce uptake in urban areas Better information on sensitive areas. Continue research into particulate
or restrict to larger scale systems in Clarity in regulation of appliance and NOx reductions.
which it is economically viable to and installation. The clean air act
install emissions abatement kit. needs updating to recognise
characteristics of biomass.

Prevent deployment in industrial Consider inclusion in phase two of
heat sectors. RHI.
Delay deployment or mean cause Provide funding to enable boiler Boiler suppliers must back up their
poorly designed systems to be installers/maintainers to gain contracts with maintenance
installed. subsidised training and support in line with other industries.
accreditation. Speed up the
HETAS/MCS accreditation process so
that it is more in line with the needs of
the industry and ensure that MCS is
accountable (need to prevent poor
installers from being allowed to
remain MCS accredited).

Unlikely to prevent deployment but Information and awareness raising. Information and awareness raising.
will need awareness raising. Stress similarity to gas and electricity.
Severely affect deployment of Infrastructure that has a very long Investigate cost reduction
district heating and prevent use of lifetime could be funded on a innovations.
cost effective, low emision, efficient different basis to alternatives with a
large scale boilers. shorter lifetime.

May put off some users but very A substantial advantage to the
little way to mititgate. consumer through a lower price,
would need to be demonstrated
along with other guarantees (such as
linking prices to gas or oil prices).
Public sector can show leadership by
underpinning the base heat load,
particularly with large year round
loads.

Unlikely to prevent deployment but Co-ordinate with other activities to
may cause difficulties during minimise the impact.
infrastructure establishment.
Expansion of district heating is Utilise expertise within the CHPA and
required if we are to see the from case studies such as
widespread take up of the most Southampton, Aberdeen, and
cost effective and efficient form of Sheffield etc. Spread best practise
biomass heat. This will require major guidance documents and use
investment in district heat mains. planning to encourage utilisation of
district heating wherever possible.
Financial support for establishment of
district heat infrastructure, either
through a specific RHI banding or
capital grant programmes.

Reduced support for biofuels in the Focus UK support on biofuels with low Continue to increase supply of
UK. Possibly changes to sustainbility risks such as 2G. more sustainable biofuels.
sustainability criteria resulting from Contribute to the evidence base for
iLUC work stream of 2014 biofuels the EU and internationally such as
policy review. GBEP/ IEA task 39. Maintain
consistent messages between
biofuels and biodiversity/
international forestry, etc.

Advanced biofuels plants unable to DfT and DECC jointly develop a Advanced biofuel developers
secure financing, preventing or coordinated and consistent strategy could exploit low-value waste
delaying advanced biofuels plants. for incentives across the bioenergy feedstocks (see below).
sector
High capital 2G projects remain Clear indication form government
high risk and are not financed. that biofuels are supported, and long
term guarantee on biofuel incentives
Biofuel plants have difficulty The Waste Framework Directive Provide evidence on the
accessing LA waste contracts and makes provision for deviation form environmental benefits of waste to
have to import feedstock. the waste hierarchy where it can biofuels in order to apply for
have demonstrable environmental deviation to the waste hierarchy.
benefits, but the impact of this is yet
to be seen. Both Defra and the EA
have guidance on the
implementation of the hierarchy.

Delay or prevent the deployment of Provide demonstration support to Seek alternative financing
BTL processes. reduce the project risk (possibly mechanisms. Seek opportunities to
through the EIBI Eranet plus). Assist reduce capital costs, including
with project financing, potentially process intensification and
through the Green Investment Bank. developing syngas conversion
Provide additional incentives to 2G technologies with a greater
biofuels with high GHG emissions tolerance to syngas contaminants.
savings and sustainability
performance

The RED targets may be missed as DfT clarify support for bioethanol and Investments in blending ethanol
the amount of bioethanol is limited present actions to bring E85 and B30 and supply to forecourts needed.
to 5% and biodiesel 7%. into forecourts.
Severity ranking 5=severely restrict Other comments
1=unlikely to restrict

2
4

2 Not really a major barrier, can't relax
regulations but need clearer
communication and guidance.

2 Land bank has already been
mapped, ALOWANCE project;
2 Not Govt responsibility to engage
with communities.

5 Need to reduce technology cost by
up to 40% to make this scale
attractive.
2 Although most developers recognise
the need to engage with local
community, the very sensitive nature
of this topic means that local
opposition often cannot be
avoided,

4
3

3
3 The separation of oil production and
power production could have
numerous opportunities (e.g. one
pyrolysis oil plant producing oil to
serve say 10 remote pyrolysis oil
fuelled chp engines.) This would
allow compact bioCHP in locations
where heat can be used and allows
a high degree of turn down and
allows peak power to be generated.

2 This causes problems because in
areas of low population density (i.e.
remote but often with good grid
connections), haulage costs are a
significant factor in the economic
viability of large plant.

3 Deemed to be more significant
barrier in power sector due to large
volumes required and assumption of
reliance on imports.

2
2

2 Need to find ways to economically
upgrade the oil so that it can be
used effectively and reliably in
boilers, engines, gas turbines, marine
transport, heating systems. This
could be via chemical upgrading
either in a separate process or
somehow in a refinery. However, in
a refinery, a source of hydrogen will
be needed (should that be green).
3

2
4

3
5

2 Many smaller boilers and room
heaters involve the handling of 15kg
sacks or baskets of logs.
1 Biomass boilers work best when
operating at high and constant
load. This means that they have a
lower output and operate for longer
periods than an equivalent oil or gas
unit. This may not suit modern
lifestyles where the property is not
occupied through the day but
needs to warm quickly in the
evening.

2 Many biomass systems require non
standard controls, large
accumulators and larger installation
space than the equivalent standard
oil or gas boiler. This often
necessitates relocation of several
components of the existing system
and results in additional cost and
disruption.
2 Many dense urban areas exceed
threshold values for particulate and
nitrogen oxides emissions. All new
sources receive increased scrutiny
and may not be approved.

4 As demand for the technology
increases, this will become an even
bigger constraint as most installers
are already at or exceeding their
capacity. There are also few training
centres where installers can gain the
necessary skills, and obtaining
HETAS/MCS accreditation is costly,
meaning that even companies who
would like to improve their skills in this
area struggle to do so in practice.

2
3 The cost of connection and the
pipework infrastructure is very high
when compared to individual
solutions, while the load factor in the
UK is low compared to other
countries where DH is
commonplace.

2
5

2
2 There is an annual review of the
Evidence Paper supporting the
hierarchy, so if market development
suggests that the hierarchy is not
working as planned then revisions
may be made.

2 Incentives must have long term
guarantees

3 Dependent on key decisions on
direction of biofuel policy.
Fuel Sector that could be impacted Barrier

All wastes All Definitions of biomass waste can vary
between government departements
and between subsidy regimes (e.g.
RHI/RTFO/RO). This can prevent
technologies from accessing this
resource.

All wastes All The supply of waste biomass is limited
and the Waste Hierarchy drives
biodegradable wastes to composting
and AD. Deviation from this is
uncommon and may make it difficult for
other bioenergy technologies to access
waste.

Biodiesel Transport Blending wall 7%

Biodiesel Transport Reduced availability of biodiesel in 2017,
when GHG criteria increase to 50%.

Biodiesel Transport Potential changes increase GHG criteria
earlier stemming from Expected
Commission iLUC proposals.
Bioethanol Transport Blending wall is 5%.

Bioethanol Transport UK investment stalled because cheap
imported tariffs.

Bioethanol Transport UK fuel taxation is based on fuel volume,
and therefore fuels with low energy
densities, such as bioethanol pay higher
tax on an energy basis than
conventional fuels.

Biomethane Transport Lack of refueling infrastructure for
biomethane in the UK.

Biomethane Transport Lack of refueling infrastructure for
biomethane in the UK.
Biomethane Transport Cost of compressed and liquified
biomethane refueling stations.

Biomethane Transport Capital and maintenance costs for gas
vehicles are greater than conventional
diesel vehicles.

Biomethane Transport The availability of warantees for vehicles
convered to run on biomethane.

Biomethane Transport Lack of understanding on the potential
for biomethane as a vehicle fuel and
the benefits.

Used coooking oil Electricity/heat The 'end of waste' requirements to get
upgraded/cleaned UCO deemed a
fuel, not a waste, are unclear.

Used coooking oil Electricity/heat Lack of collection infrastructure.
Industrial wood pellet Electricity/heat Lack of suitable pellet standards.

Industrial wood pellet Heat Uneconomic due to low RHI tariff
>1MWth.
Clean waste wood Electricity/heat Inability to access feedstock due to lack
of collection/sorting/processing
infrastructure.

Contaminated waste wood Electricity/heat Inability to access feedstock due to lack
of infrastructure and sorting facilities.

Waste wood Electricity/heat Restricted access to feedstock due to
lack of incentive to segregate wastes.

Imported feedstocks Electricity Lack of port infrastructure
Imported feedstocks Electricity It can be difficult to get firm
commitments from international players
(including shipping companies) to
supply into the UK due to perceived
policy risk.

Short rotation forestry Electricity/heat Uneconomic due to lack of FC grant
under English Woodland Grant Scheme.

Short rotation forestry Electricity/heat Lack of understanding of correct
establishment/ management practises.

Short rotation forestry Electricity/heat Lack of processing equipment.

Syndiesel (from gasification) Transport Lack of industry confidence in
government commitment prevents
investment and reduces industry
interest.

Syndiesel (from gasification) Transport Difficulty accessing finance during pre-
commercial stage.

Syndiesel (from gasification) Transport Technical challenges may prevent
commercial deployment.
Syndiesel (from gasification) Transport Uneconomic compared to other
technologies.

Synthetic aviation fuel (from Transport Have not reached commercial stage.
gasification)

Bio hydrogen Transport Have not reached commercial stage.

Bio methanol Transport Have not reached commercial stage.

Biogasoline produced from biomethanol Transport Have not reached commercial stage.

Pyrolysis oil derived diesel fuel Transport Fuels from pyrolysis not yet
demonstrated. UOP have a pilot plant
in hawaii but so far this is far from
commercial.

UK energy crops - miscanthus Electricity/heat Lack of specialist planting/harvesting
equipment.
UK energy crops - miscanthus Electricity/heat Poor understanding of correct
establishment and management
practises.

UK energy crops - SRC Willow Electricity/heat Lack of planting/harvesting equipment.

UK energy crops - SRC Willow Electricity/heat Poor understanding of correct
establishment and management
practises.

UK energy crops Electricity/heat Not economically viable for farmers.

UK energy crops Electricity/heat High up front establishment costs.
UK energy crops Electricity/heat Lack of promotion of the Energy Crops
Scheme to potential growers, agents,
consultants or advisors.

Energy crops Heat 'Standard' biomass boilers are not
compatible with energy crops
(miscanthus specifically).

UK energy crops Heat Lack of specialist local supply
infrastructure.

Straw Electricity/heat Lack of specialist local
collection/processing/supply
infrastructure.
UK privately owned woodland Electricity/heat Access to feedstocks from the UK’s
forestry and woodland resources is
severely restricted due to the following
barriers: lack of woodland
management, attitudes of woodland
owners, complicated land ownership,
competition for wood resource, lack of
forest infrastructure etc.

UK forestry wood Electricity/heat Access to the UK forest biomass
resource is hampered by lack of forest
tracks/roads/hard standing.

UK woodchip Electricity/heat Getting a supply of good quality fuel
can be a challenge. High moisture
content, irregular sizing and
occasionally the presence of
contaminants are common problems.
UK woodchip/pellet Electricity/heat Lack of suitable fuel processing
equipment. To increase the output of
good quality solid biomass fuels,
improved production infrastructure and
increased capacity will be needed
including: drying facilities, screens,
storage, pellet mills etc.

UK woodchip/pellet Electricity/heat Fuel supply chains remain immature and
the local distribution infrastructure that is
required for large-scale uptake is not
available.

Renewable heating oil blend (B30/B50K) Heat Lack of supply chain for these fuels.

Purpose grown crops AD Government reluctance to support
purpose grown crops for AD; perceived
conflict with food & feed production.
Organic waste AD Lack of appropriate collection
infrastructure for domestic, commercial
and industrial food waste. To achieve
PAS110 must be source-separated, but
few LAs doing this.

Organic waste AD Inability to co-digest sewage sludge
with food waste at existing water
treatment facilities.

Pyrolysis oil production Electricity/heat/transport Pyrolysis oil production is not proven in
UK situation or with UK wastes in
particular. Need to prove pyrolysis with
UK feedstocks and also need to
demonstrate feedstock flexibility and
hence ability to produce consistent oil
product in UK context.
Expected impact of barrier on Possible mitigation measure(s)
deployment Government (including devolved and Industry
regulatory bodies)
More reliance on imports and virgin Improve cross departmental consensus
feedstocks, reduced overall GHG on this issue and endeavour to agree
savings achieved. Opportunities to use single definitions for waste/residue/by-
bioenergy as a waste mitigation product etc for the purposes of both
strategy are missed. regulation and subsidy.

Bioenergy plants have difficulty The Waste Framework Directive makes Provide evidence on the environmental
accessing LA waste contracts and have provision for deviation form the waste benefits of waste to biofuels in order to
to use either virgin or imported hierarchy where it can have apply for deviation to the waste
feedstock. Missed opportunity to use demonstrable environmental benefits, hierarchy.
low GHG, low costs feedstocks. but the impact of this is yet to be seen.
Both Defra and the EA have guidance
on the implementation of the hierarchy.

FAME biodiesel cannot exceed 7% of Encourage other diesel substitutes such Introduce high blends in closed fleets
road transport fuel (due to tolerance of as syndiesel and potentially HVO such as HGVs.
older UK vehicles), meaning that the (Hydrogenated vegetable oil) which are
RES/ carbon budget targets may be not subject to the blending limits.
missed.

RES transport target/ carbon budgets Increase policy support for fuels with Source biofuel with a higher GHG
may be missed. higher GHG saving potential. performance.

RES transport target/ carbon budgets Increase policy support for fuels with Source biofuel with a higher GHG
may be missed. higher GHG saving potential. performance.
Bioethanol cannot exceed 5% of road Introducing high blend biofuels such as Commit to develop and invest in the
transport fuel due to tolerances of older E85 (see technology tab). Incentives/ infrastructure associated with higher
vehicles, meaning that the RES target enabling policies for other petrol blends.
may be missed. substitutes such as biobutanol and
methanol which can exceed 5%.

1bn litres less of bioethanol that could UK to consider changes to Tariff codes. Act to block cheap US subsidised fuel.
contribute towards the target. More EU decisions on Tariffs in favour of UK
reliance on imports, and a lower overall bioethanol producers (but possibly
availability of sustainable bioethanol. could be seen as pro-trade barriers). BIS
advising industry on bringing a
competition case against US.

Higher pump prices would disincentivise Consider using taxation as a lever to
consumers to use higher ethanol blends. achieve lower pump price for biofuels.

Missed opportunity to contribute to the Government to provide strategic Investigate cost reduction innovations.
2020 renewable energy in transport direction on biomethane in transport.
target under the RED.

Missed opportunity to contribute to the Government could consider developing
2020 renewable energy in transport a green gas certification scheme for
target under the RED. biomethane injected into the grid.
Limited uptake of biomethane in Financial support to enable investment Investigate cost reduction innovations.
transport, the cost differential between in refuelling stations, could be in the
biomethane and diesel does not form of capital support or through fuel
achieve a sufficiently attractive incentives.
payback.

Limited uptake of biomethane in Financial support to enable investment Investigate cost reduction innovations.
transport, the cost differential between in gas fuelled vehicles, could be in the
biomethane and diesel does not form of capital support or through fuel
achieve a sufficiently attractive incentives.
payback.

Limited uptake of biomethane in Establish fuel standards for biomethane
transport due to unacceptable risks for in transport.
fleet owners.

Missed opportunity to contribute to the Government to provide strategic Industry bodies to promote pilots and
2020 renewable energy in transport direction on biomethane in transport. case studies.
target under the RED

Discourage investment in Clarify requirements for end of waste
collection/processing infrastructure. and streamline process that needs to be
followed.

Could prevent use of this resource and Provide clear policy support for this fuel Invest in collection equipment, vehicles,
push demand towards virgin feedstocks to encourage investors in collection processing etc.
and imports. infrastructure. Develop behaviour
change programmes to encourage
collection rather than waste of this fuel.
Unlikley to prevent deployment, but may
cause inconsistencies in pellet trades
and prevent a liquid market from
forming.
Lack of deployment, inability to meet Revise large scale biomass tariff in RHI.
carbon targets.
Will increase demand for other wastes or Support supply chain infrastructure Invest in collection equipment, vehicles,
virgin feedstocks. Missed opportunity to through Bioenergy Infrastructure sorting etc.
utilise UK waste stream and reduce Scheme type support or GIB. Restriction
landfill etc. on landfilling of wood waste might
liberate small quantities of clean wood
waste

Will increase demand for other wastes or Support supply chain infrastructure Invest in collection equipment, vehicles,
virgin feedstocks. Missed opportunity to through BEIS-type support or GIB. sorting etc.
utilise UK waste stream and reduce
landfill etc.
Inability to access UK feedstock, more Landfill ban for wood. Invest in collection equipment, vehicles,
reliance on imports/virgin biomass, sorting etc.
higher feedstock costs, potentially
continued use of landfill for wood.

As the market for biomass feedstocks Re-introduction of the BEIS or other
expands, the need for port facilities, financial support mechanisms would
covered wood storage and transport help.
infrastructure will increasingly become
an issue.
Inability to access imported feedstocks
could severely constrain potential
deployment.

May prevent uptake and hence reduce Provide support for R&D in this area.
availability of this as a UK feedstock.

May delay uptake or prevent the most Provide support for supply chain Invest in equipment and infrastructure.
efficient prcoessing mechanisms from infrastructure.
being used i.e. sub-optimal GHG savings
would be achieved.

Missed opportunity to introduce high Financial support for demonstration, Investigate cost reduction innovations.
spec drop in fuel which are ideal for R&D, long-term subsidy etc..
road and aviation. Missed benefits to
other sectors from the bioeconomy.

Missed opportunity to deliver very high Money for demonstration projects and Investigate cost reduction innovations.
GHG savings, low sustainability and help with financing (such as through
utilise ‘unwanted’ feedstocks such as green investment bank).
waste.
Could be key contributor to 2050 Support for technology developments Investigate cost reduction innovations.
targets. such as clean up on syngas from mixed
waste streams.
Could be key contributor to 2050 Renewable financial incentives allow (at Investigate cost reduction innovations.
targets. least) a level playing field against
commercial technologies. Contribution
to SET plan.
Missed opportunity to contribute to the Incentivise the use of RED compliant Investigate cost reduction innovations.
2020 renewable energy in transport biofuels in aviation by including them in
target under the RED the RTFO
Missed opportunity to roll out fuel cell Support hydrogen infrastructure Build on existing demonstration
vehicles fuelled with biofuel and demonstraiton and development. opportunity (M4 corridor) and foreign
contribute to the 2020 renewable Contribution to SET plan. Money for demonstrations. Investigate cost
energy target. Missed opportunity to demonstration projects / help with reduction innovations.
deliver zero emission biofuel (at tailpipe). project financing.

Missed opportunity to deliver very high Money for demonstration projects / help Investigate cost reduction innovations.
GHG savings, low sustainability and with project financing.
utilise ‘unwanted’ feedstocks such as
waste.
Missed opportunity to deliver very high Money for demonstration projects / help investigate potential for production.
GHG savings, low sustainability and with project financing.
utilise ‘unwanted’ feedstocks such as
waste.
Missed opportunity to deliver high GHG Provide support to projects to develop Investigate potential for production -
savings, low sustainability impact and novel and low cost ways to upgrade identify synergies in oil refining sector.
utilised 'unwanted' feedstocks such as pyrolysis oils to fuels. The technology is
waste via existing refining capacity. still in the low "TRL's" so some of this work
will be academic.

Severe - will restrict ability to increase Long term support is required to Invest in development of specialist
planting or harvesting rate. encourage machinery suppliers to invest equipment, when long term support is
in specialist equipment development. guaranteed.
Will hamper confidence and delay Update best practice guidance for Establish trials to consider alternative
uptake, but not severe. planting and establishment; previous planting and management techniques;
version is dated. Support trial work on Masstock Energy SMART Farms are a
planting and management techniques, start.
i.e. precision planting.

Will hamper confidence and delay Update best practice guidance for Establish trials to consider alternative
uptake, but not severe. planting and establishment; previous planting and management techniques;
version is dated. Support trial work on Masstock Energy SMART Farms are a
planting and management techniques, start.
i.e. precision planting and direct drilling.

Reduced feedstock availability. Missed Energy Crops Scheme currently supports Investigate cost reduction innovations.
opportunity for UK agriculture. Miscanthus and SRC; list of energy crops
in RO Consultation is somewhat longer.
Need long term guaranteed support, to
encourage uptake.

Reduced feedstock availability. Missed Energy Crops Scheme supports 50% of Investigate cost reduction innovations
opportunity for UK agriculture. planting an destablishment costs, not and new crops (i.e. energy grasses)
guaranteed post-2013. Consider
restructuring scheme to cover issue of
no income for first 2 - 3 years post-
planting.
Severe - likely to be very little or no Natural England administer the scheme Need to establish a fixed programme of
production of these fuels. but do not promote it, nor does any meetings and activities, promoted
other authority. Promotional activity is through farming organisations such as
required to generate interest and NFU, CLA.
encourage applications. Promotion
should be carried out by an
organisation with technical knowledge
and a strong interest, such as NNFCC.

If no compatible systems are installed Develop educational programme Continue to develop and promote fuel-
then there will be more demand for about compatibility of fuels and boilers. flexible boilers. State ash melting
other woody feedstocks, and energy Communicate good matches through temperature compatility in boiler specs.
crops may be diverted to lower value BEC/NNFCC/CT/EST etc. Conduct more trials on non-woody fuels.
use for power generation. Promote the energy crop boiler guide
established by NNFCC.

Imperfect supply mechanisms may be Provide support for supply chain Invest in equipment and infrastructure.
used (e.g. tractor and trailer) and this infrastructure.
may restrict number of installations.

May delay uptake or prevent the most Provide support for supply chain Invest in equipment and infrastructure.
efficient haulage mechanisms from infrastructure.
being used i.e. sub-optimal GHG savings
would be achieved.
Inability to access UK feedstock, more Provide support for supply chain
reliance and competition for infrastructure. Enable FC to implement
imports/waste biomass, higher identify actions in Woodfuel
feedstock costs. Implementation Plan and Woodfuel
Strategy.

Inability to access UK feedstock, more Ensure support mechanisms are in place
reliance and competition for to support establishment of woodland
imports/waste biomass, higher infrastructure. FC's Woodfuel WIG is
feedstock costs. assisting with this but is subject to time
and budget constraints.

Supply of low/unsuitable quality fuel to a Support distribution of best practise Increased adherence to fuel standards
boiler can lead it to corrode, guidance through FC/CT/BEC etc. would help with this issues, but for
breakdown or get damaged. This in turn customers to have confidence in fuel
leads to a perception that biomass quality (and sustainability credentials)
boilers are unreliable and could affect then a reliable quality assurance system
levels of uptake. for fuel suppliers is required.
Difficulty for users in accessing good Provide financial support for supply Equipment being used should be
quality fuel may delay or prevent chain infrastructure. Enable FC to checked as part of a fuel quality
uptake. implement identify actions in Woodfuel assurance scheme. Information should
Implementation Plan and Woodfuel be made available, e.g. leaflets, online
Strategy. supplier databases, of suitable types of
equipment to produce good quality
wood fuel.

Likely to delay and/or prevent uptake in An effective RHI should give potential Invest in infrastructure where
some areas. suppliers the confidence to invest in economically viable to do so.
more specialist fuel distribution
infrastructure including properly
designed wood pellet tankers, scissor lift
trailers, hook bin trailers and hook bins
etc. Re-introduction of the BEIS or other
financial support mechanisms would
also help.

Prevent uptake of the technology. Provide financial subsidy for the Invest in necessary equipment and
technology, which will enable industry to infrastructure.
invest in necessary infratsructure.

Delay or may prevent development, AD Strategy & Action Plan addressing Contributing evidence to Government
hampering investor confidence. this issue, stakeholder workshop held and supporting decision making through
and working group due to be launched active engagement in the Defra
shortly working group
Delay or may prevent development. Need support or incentive offered to Establish separate collections where
LA's to collect food waste; need for viable to do so.
clear guidance on preference of co-
mingled vs source separated food
waste;

Would be quick win for increasing AD OfT study provided evidence in support Water industry has an interest in taking
activity, capacity already established of this being possible; clear regulatory food waste, but unable to do so. Some
but regulation prevents it being used. guidance and Government support are establishing new digestion capacity
required. on site specifically for food-waste, as
other infrastructure already exists.

Without proof of being able to operate Support UK reference project.
in UK context, UK projects will be unable
to be funded.
Severity ranking 5=severely restrict Other comments
1=unlikely to restrict

3 This may not always be possible,
especially with relation to policy
instruments which are already in effect
and not due for revision.

3
2

1 Actions to increase the protection of UK
industry may not be desirable in the
context of the WTO negotiations to
lower tariffs on agricultural products.

4 Biomethane in transport can also
improve local air quality by reducing
tailpipe emissions of CO, CO2, NOx and
particulates
3 Biomethane in transport can also
improve local air quality by reducing
tailpipe emissions of CO, CO2, NOx and
particulates
2 Biomethane in transport can also
improve local air quality by reducing
tailpipe emissions of CO, CO2, NOx and
particulates

1 Biomethane in transport can also
improve local air quality by reducing
tailpipe emissions of CO, CO2, NOx and
particulates

3 Biomethane in transport can also
improve local air quality by reducing
tailpipe emissions of CO, CO2, NOx and
particulates
2 Biomethane in transport can also
improve local air quality by reducing
tailpipe emissions of CO, CO2, NOx and
particulates
2

2 The removal of the Bioenergy
Infrastructure Scheme (BEIS) has
hampered private sector plans to invest
in this infrastructure.
2

2
1 The frequent delays in bringing forward
a robust regulatory framework for
biomass in the UK has made many
international suppliers and shippers
sceptical about the market.

4
3

3 Additional barriers as for syndiesel

4
3

3
5

2 As above, this barrier has been
exacerbated through removal of the
BEIS.

2
4

3 As demand for feedstock increases it will
be necessary to turn to smaller, more
isolated, wood lots for material where
this problem is further exacerbated.

2 There is still a lack of understanding by
many stakeholders (users and
producers) as per the importance of fuel
quality.
3 There is currently a lack of advice and
information available to fuel producers
on the equipment available which is
suitable for producing good quality
fuels, for example graded wood chip. In
addition there is, in some cases, poor
understanding of the correct
maintenance of machinery (e.g.
chippers) to ensure that the fuel
produced is of consistent quality.

2 The cost of supply infrastructure is high
and this combined with the relatively
small number of biomass boilers installed
currently means that the cost to supply
each installation is relatively high. This
barrier has been exacerbated through
removal of the BEIS.

3
3

4
Author/Source Title
Enviros BARRIERS TO RENEWABLE HEAT PART 1: SUPPLY SIDE
Enviros BARRIERS TO RENEWABLE HEAT PART 1: SUPPLY SIDE
LCAworks The availability of sustainable biomass for use in UK power generation
NERA/AEA The UK Supply Curve for Renewable Heat
NNFCC Advanced Biofuels - The Potential for a UK Industry
NNFCC Barriers to deployment: biomass heat
NNFCC Barriers to deployment: biomass power
NNFCC Barriers to deployment: anerobic digestion
NNFCC Confidential communications with industry
NNFCC Domestic energy crops potential and constraints review
Defra Personal communications with NNFCC
DfT Personal communications with NNFCC
Biomass Energy CentrePersonal communications with NNFCC
Date
2008
2008
2011
2009
2011
2010
2010
2010
2011
2012
2012
2012
2012
Link
http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/consultations/cons_res/rescon_support/rescon_support.aspx
http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/consultations/cons_res/rescon_support/rescon_support.aspx
http://www.lcaworks.com/Low%20Carbon%20Bioelectricity%20in%20the%20UK.pdf
http://www.nera.com/extImage/PUB_Renewable_Heat_July2009.pdf
http://www.nnfcc.co.uk/tools/advanced-biofuels-the-potential-for-a-uk-industry-nnfcc-11-011
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TBC
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