Biomass and bioenergy wishlists for the next UK Government: Alan Beesley
With the UK General Election just a few weeks away, we asked some of our leading researchers and industry partners what their wishlist would be for the next UK Government.
In the first of the ‘biomass and bioenergy wishlist’ series, Chair of the Supergen Bioenergy Hub Advisory Board and Commercial Director of Alps Ecoscience, Alan Beesley focuses on the potential for UK biomass.
Unlocking the potential of biomass by overcoming the fear of success
With its vast reserves of biomass, the UK has an open opportunity to harness this resource for energy generation and the production of sustainable materials. However, a psychological barrier looms large: the fear of being too successful. This anxiety is stifling the very entrepreneurial spirit needed to exploit the full potential of UK biomass.
The fear of success
At first glance, the fear of success seems counterintuitive. Success is typically celebrated and sought after. Yet, for many entrepreneurs and policymakers in the UK, the concern is that tapping into biomass resources too effectively might deplete them, leading to a future scarcity. This fear is rooted in the unpredictability of supply and demand, coupled with the potential environmental impacts of overexploitation.
The anxiety surrounding success manifests in hesitation and overly cautious strategies. Instead of embracing the potential of UK biomass, there’s a tendency to hold back, to wait for perfect conditions or foolproof plans. This cautious approach, however, risks missing out on the significant benefits that biomass can offer right now. Do I need to mention the direction of travel of current global temperatures?
We know all too well from the D-day landing commemoration stories that every plan needs to be adapted on contact with the enemy. However, stretching goals can be achieved by adapting, learning as you go and showing resilience: valuable life lessons for any circumstance.
The current biomass landscape
Biomass, derived from organic materials like agricultural residues, forestry by-products and waste, is a renewable resource with immense potential. It can be used for generating electricity, producing heat, creating biofuels and bioplastics, and more. In doing so, biomass can play a crucial role in reducing the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
Yet, the full exploitation of biomass remains an untapped potential. The UK’s biomass industry is hampered by regulatory uncertainties, lack of investment and a general hesitancy to dive in wholeheartedly. This is where the fear of being too successful becomes self-limiting; by not fully committing, the UK misses out on immediate and substantial gains.
Embracing uncertainty and learning by doing
The path forward requires a shift in mindset. It is time to accept that we don’t know what we don’t know, and that trying is learning. The process of innovation inherently involves trial and error. By embracing this uncertainty, the UK can begin to unlock the true value of its current biomass resources.
Investing in biomass today, despite the unknowns, can lead to valuable insights and advancements. Initial forays might not be perfect, but they will provide critical data and experience. Moreover, if the UK’s biomass initiatives prove to be too successful, this will present new challenges – but ones with potentially more upside than maintaining the status quo. Currently, for example, recycling compliance is poor (<24% of households), but there is still a hope that incineration may become defunct. Biomass initiatives can provide potential for increasing use of waste products without relying on individuals to recycle, thus providing a more realistic hope of rendering incineration defunct.
The upside of overcoming fear
Consider the potential benefits of overcoming this fear. A robust biomass industry could create thousands of jobs, stimulate rural economies and position the UK as a leader in renewable energy and sustainable materials. Moreover, it could significantly contribute to the nation’s decarbonisation goals, helping to mitigate climate change and reduce environmental degradation.
The fear of depleting biomass resources is not unfounded, but it can be managed through sustainable practices and technological advancements alongside purpose-driven policy. Innovations in biomass cultivation, such as using fast-growing energy crops and improving waste management, can ensure a steady supply without compromising the environment.
Igniting the entrepreneurial spirit
The UK has a proud history of innovation and entrepreneurship. From the Industrial Revolution to the tech boom, the nation has consistently punched above its weight in driving global progress. It’s time to channel this spirit into circular economies and the biomass sector. By fostering a culture of considered experimentation and resilience, the UK can turn its fear of success into a catalyst for growth.
Government support, in the form of clear, consistent enduring policies and incentives, can help mitigate risks and encourage investment. Public-private partnerships can accelerate research and development, bringing cutting-edge technologies to market more quickly. Education and awareness campaigns can shift public perception, highlighting the benefits of biomass and dispelling myths about its limitations.
Conclusions
The anxiety of being too successful is a significant barrier in the UK, not just to the maximisation of its biomass resources. However, by embracing uncertainty and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit, the nation can turn this challenge into an opportunity. Success in biomass utilisation is not something to fear – it is a goal to strive for, with the potential to yield substantial rewards for the economy, the environment and society.
It’s time for the UK to move beyond the status quo, to take bold steps towards a sustainable future. The path might be uncertain, but the potential rewards make it a journey worth undertaking. To try is to learn, but not to try is to fail.
