Campaign reply - ‘Scrapping subsidies for burning wood’

A number of constituents have written to me as part of a campaign ‘Scrapping subsidies for burning wood’

There is to be an early day motion regarding this. As a principle I never sign early day motions as they very rarely achieve anything whilst at the same time running up costs to the tax payer.

I have sympathy with the sentiment expressed. For instance in my role on the Transport Committee I pursue greener, cleaner options. One third of all emissions are generated by transport and we have seen real progress in the current and future greening of transport. By 2040 all cars sold in the UK will have to be zero emission. A world leading move and a goal likely to be achieved much sooner.

Power generation has also already gone through a revolution and only last year we saw the first day since the beginning of the Industrial revolution where no power was produced by coal. This year that figure has increased again. The switch to low or zero emission power production is making progress. I have to ask, should Drax power station burn coal or bio mass? In the interim the latter is preferable but ultimately that too will subside. Progress is being made and it is important that is fully recognised as we switch.

The comment made: “The Government has announced new rules which effectively rule out new
subsidies for large-scale biomass electricity under the Contracts for
Difference scheme. This is a very positive development and sends a strong
message that biomass burning is not part of the solution to climate change.”

This recognition of government policy is most welcome and I will convey the sentiment to ministers.

We all want to see continued progress of green energy production and I celebrate along with yourselves in recognising the improvements already achieved. As we continue we must also ensure the complex energy needs of the UK are also met and remain affordable. Current arrangements ensure both and whilst that includes bio mass burn, it has to be seen as part of the diverse energy production in place which is why subsidies applies only to existing plants.