Could biomass help meet energy needs? - 07/04/2011
Domestic customers who want to compare energy tariffs might be surprised to hear that energy crops could help meet the UK's rising demand.According to Business Green, a study from the UK Energy Research Centre recommends growing trees including willow and poplar on unused agricultural land, which could produce 7.5 million tonnes of biomass.By using land efficiently to grow plantations, the UK could meet up to four per cent of its current cheap electricity demand, the report states.Professor Gail Taylor, who co-wrote the report, commented: "This study shows that bioenergy crops can be grown sustainably in parts of England, with no detrimental impact on food crops or other ecosystem services."She added: "Our current work is taking this approach further to determine how future climate scenarios will influence biomass supply."Make sure you're not paying too much for your energy - compare gas and electricity prices now at energyhelpline.com or call 0800 074 0745.
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