Our episode is about biomass and why it is key for achieving net zero. Simply put, biomass energy is renewable energy that comes from plants and animals. Some biomass energy sources include crops like corn, soy beans, and sugar cane. According to the UK Parliament, bioenergy is currently the second largest source of renewable energy in the UK, generating 12.9% of the total UK electricity supply in 2021. How can biomass energy help us reach net zero and what about concerns about deforestation and land use?

Our guest for this episode is Andrew Welfle of the Tyndall Centre at the University of Manchester. Dr. Andrew Welfle is a Senior Research Fellow in the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research within the Department of Engineering for Sustainability. Andrew has a background and interests in environmental, energy and engineering themes, and a strong track record undertaking sustainability, climate change and bioenergy research through developing modelling toolkits and analysis methodologies.

Andrew is a Topic Representative within the current UK Supergen Bioenergy Hub research programme where he works with academics, NGOs, industry and government to promote the growth of a sustainable UK bioenergy sector. Andrew is also the Challenge Lead for Net Zero, part of the University of Manchester’s Sustainable Futures Network. This role brings responsibility for co-ordinating researchers and research activity relevant to net-zero emissions objectives across the University of Manchester.­

Music by BenSound