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<p> </p><p>I have spoken to the Chief Executive of the Green Investment Bank (GIB)
about the proposed plant at Avonmouth to ensure he is aware of the concerns that have
been raised about it. The impacts of individual proposals for biomass power projects
are subject to detailed assessment during the planning approval process and final
decisions in each case are a matter for the relevant planning authority. This proposal
received planning consent in March 2010. The final consent letter may be found on
the DECC Energy Infrastructure webpage at <a href="https://www.og.decc.gov.uk/EIP/pages/projects/Avonmouth.htm"
target="_blank">https://www.og.decc.gov.uk/EIP/pages/projects/Avonmouth.htm</a>. I
cannot comment on the merits of that decision.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The Government's
position on the role of biomass power within the UK's energy mix has been set out
clearly in the UK Bioenergy Strategy (2012) which can be found on the Government's
website at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-bioenergy-strategy"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-bioenergy-strategy</a>.
Thissets out how the Government seeks to ensure the benefits of bioenergy are achieved
in a way that delivers genuine carbon reductions and that fuel is sourced sustainably.
The extensive sustainability requirements in place for the use of biomass fuel are
set out in the UK Government Response to the consultation on biomass sustainability
and the Renewables Obligation (RO), published in August 2013 (<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/231102/RO_Biomass_Sustainability_consultation_-_Government_Response_22_August_2013.pdf"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/231102/RO_Biomass_Sustainability_consultation_-_Government_Response_22_August_2013.pdf</a>).
In considering whether to participate in financing a biomass power project, GIB must
satisfy itself that the Government's sustainability requirements are fully met.</p><p>
</p><p> </p><p> </p>
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