A Recent Study on the Barriers and Drivers for Bioenergy Development in the UK

Researchers from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Design, University of Bath, United Kingdom (UK) recently investigated the drivers and possible barriers for the development of bioenergy in the country. The study was made in anticipation of the shift in energy reliance from fossil-based energy to bioenergy, and this could be useful information for policy formulation/decision. The identification of bioenergy development drivers and barriers were based on a comprehensive literature and case study review. The researchers assessed their findings through an online questionnaire, completed by stakeholders from across the UK bioenergy industry (which includes farmers/suppliers, developers/owners of bioenergy projects, primary end-users, and government/policy stakeholders).

From their findings, they found that the most critical barriers and drivers all relate to the economic factors of bioenergy projects. Farmers/suppliers and developers look into production costs and benefits, while primary end-users of bioenergy look into the cost of purchasing energy resources. The reduction in carbon emissions, as well as the reduction in fossil fuel dependency, were common drivers for all the stakeholders. The researchers suggest that in order for bioenergy projects to be successful, they must be both economically attractive and environmentally sustainable for it to satisfy the needs of the stakeholders.

The full paper is published in the journal, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews (URL above).