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<p>The UK only supports biomass which complies with strict sustainability criteria,.
These criteria take into account of social, economic and environmental issues including
protecting biodiversity, land use rights, sustainable harvesting and regeneration
rates. They ensure that the carbon stock of the forest from which the pellets are
derived is not decreased by requiring that biomass fuels are derived from forest waste
wood and residues and that the forest owner adheres to relevant legal requirements
to protect biodiversity and the environment.</p><p> </p><p>Current regulations[1]
also, over time, increase the stringency of the ceilings and thresholds for the greenhouse
gas emissions from producing the feedstock.</p><p> </p><p>Sustainable bioenergy is
helping us move to a low-carbon energy mix, increase our energy security and keep
costs down for consumers. However, as we decarbonise, it is right to continually review
our approach to ensure that we are using the lowest carbon sources of electricity.
We have pledged that this will be the first generation to leave the environment in
a better state than we inherited it.</p><p> </p><p>We are reviewing the air quality
impacts of biomass to ensure that our energy policies can jointly tackle climate change
and improve air quality. We are currently consulting on proposals to remove coal to
biomass conversions from the Contract for Difference scheme. In addition, all support
for coal-to-biomass conversions will end in 2027.</p><p>[1] The Renewables Obligation
Order 2015 in England and Wales, The Renewables Obligation (Scotland) Amendment Order,
the Renewables Obligation (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2016 and the Renewable
Heat Incentive Scheme and Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations
2015 as amended</p>
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