The Potential for Growing Biomass Crops for Fuel on Surplus Land in the UK

The availability of land surplusto food production requirements has prompted interest in the growth of crops to produce biomass as an energy source for electricity generation and other industrial processes. When compared to set-aside, biomass crops have the potential to maintain the managed look of the countryside, sustain and possibly enhance the rural economy, provide greater diversity of crop species and offer environmental benefits. Existing crops in their present form may not have sufficient yield potential, but one genus of wild plant, Miscanthus, isa good example of a previously uncropped plant that now appears to have many of the qualities of an ideal fuel crop. Yield isnot proven under conditions in the UK, but work isnow under way. Many other species also need to be evaluated if we are to take full advantage of the opportunity presented by the availability of the land. If the potential isdemonstrated, much further work isneeded before viable crop systemscan be established.