Transitional support mechanism for large-scale biomass electricity generators

Overview

The government is considering whether a transitional support mechanism is required to facilitate the move from large scale biomass generation to power bioenergy carbon capture and storage (BECCS). This would apply in certain circumstances where there is an interim period between the relevant generators’ existing support ending and potential future power BECCS arrangements beginning.

We are consulting to inform our assessment of whether a transitional support arrangement is appropriate and, if it is, how best to design and implement that support mechanism. 

Information you provide in response to this consultation, including personal information, may be disclosed in accordance with UK legislation (the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004).

If you want the information that you provide to be treated as confidential, please tell us, but be aware that we cannot guarantee confidentiality in all circumstances. An automatic confidentiality disclaimer generated by your IT system will not be regarded by us as a confidentiality request.

We will process your personal data in accordance with all applicable data protection laws. See our privacy policy.

Why your views matter

This consultation will be open for 6 weeks and close on 29^th February. Following the close of this consultation, we will analyse the responses, summarise the views expressed and set out final decisions in a government response. We will publish this on the GOV.UK website. The summary will include a list of names or organisations that responded, but not people’s personal names, addresses or other contact details.

Following the consultation, the government will decide which, if any, support mechanism to continue to develop. If it is judged reasonable and necessary to introduce a mechanism to support biomass in the transition to power BECCS, the government will bring forward any necessary supporting legislation in 2024 to enable a potential mechanism to be established. Any such mechanism would be subject to value for money and affordability considerations. 

We encourage any party who considers they may be eligible for transitional support as outlined in this consultation to contact us by 31^st March 2024 at transitionalsupport@energysecurity.gov.uk.

Read the consultation document on GOV.UK.

What happens next

This consultation will be open for 6 weeks and close on 29^th February. Following the close of this consultation, we will analyse the responses, summarise the views expressed and set out final decisions in a government response. We will publish this on the GOV.UK website. The summary will include a list of names or organisations that responded, but not people’s personal names, addresses or other contact details.

Information you provide in response to this consultation, including personal information, may be disclosed in accordance with UK legislation (the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004).

If you want the information that you provide to be treated as confidential, please tell us, but be aware that we cannot guarantee confidentiality in all circumstances. An automatic confidentiality disclaimer generated by your IT system will not be regarded by us as a confidentiality request.

We will process your personal data in accordance with all applicable data protection laws. See our privacy policy.

Following the consultation, the government will decide which, if any, support mechanism to continue to develop. If it is judged reasonable and necessary to introduce a mechanism to support biomass in the transition to power BECCS, the government will bring forward any necessary supporting legislation in 2024 to enable a potential mechanism to be established. Any such mechanism would be subject to value for money and affordability considerations. We anticipate that any negotiations with eligible generators will also take place in 2024.  

We encourage any party who considers they may be eligible for transitional support as outlined in this consultation to contact us by 31^st March 2024 at transitionalsupport@energysecurity.gov.uk.