Spatial Mapping of Energy Crop Distribution in Great Britain to 2050

Lead Research Organisation: University of Southampton
Department Name: Centre for Biological Sciences

Abstract

The aim of the project is to use a whole systems approach to explore spatial aspects of bioenergy development in the UK to 2050, subject to environmental, economic and social factors. We will build on our previous strong collaboration, and draw on the data, models and tools already developed, to project the potential spatial distribution of energy crops under current and future climate (to 2050). The projected yields of energy crops under these conditions represent one aspect of the economic, social and environmental constraints, often termed 'ecosystem services' on the production and use of these crops, which together shape prospective bioenergy supply curves. The project will, examine the optimised spatial distribution and feedstock supply of energy crops using current infrastructure (i.e. the demand), and under scenarios of future potential infrastructure, and quantify the total impacts of such distributions in economic, social and environmental terms. The analysis will use a partial equilibrium model to link farm-scale optimisation to a global input and prices and that of fuel substitutes. Our focus will be restricted to second generation dedicated energy crops (grasses and trees) since these conflict less with food crops and are likely to be grown on low quality agricultural land. Given recommendations by Gallagher on sustainable biofuels (RFA, 2008) it is unlikely that food crops will have any significant role in the UK post 2020 for the supply of bioenergy. Outputs will be spatial maps and related supply curves of optimised energy crop distributions and maps of economic, social and environmental consequences of these distributions, which will be made freely available to other UKERC researchers.

Publications

10 25 50
 
Description Please see submission by professor Pete Smith, PI at University of Aberdeen.
Exploitation Route Please see submission by Prof Pete smith, Aberdeen, project PI
Sectors Agriculture

Food and Drink

Energy

Environment

Government

Democracy and Justice

URL http://www.ukerc.ac.uk/programmes/energy-and-environment/spatial-mapping-and-evaluation-of-energy-crop-distribution-in-great-britain-to-2050.html
 
Description Delivering greenhouse gas emissions from UK bioenergy chains
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Implementation circular/rapid advice/letter to e.g. Ministry of Health
URL http://www.eti.co.uk/delivering-greenhouse-gas-emission-savings-through-uk-bioenergy-value-chains/
 
Description The research on bioenergy has impacted Committee on Climate Change thinking on sustainable supply of UK bioenergy
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Citation in other policy documents
Impact The Committee on Climate Change is an independent statutory body established under the Climate Change Act, 2008. It is there to advise Government on emissions targets and reports to Parliament on progress made to reduce greenhouse gas balance. In 2011CC wrote a specialised review on the role that bioenergy could play in contributing to GHG emissions reductions targets and research on biomass supply from the laboratory of G. Taylor is quotes in this review that informs Government Policy Development.
URL https://www.theccc.org.uk/archive/aws2/Bioenergy/1463%20CCC_Bioenergy%20review_bookmarked_1.pdf
 
Description Bioenergy Value Chains: Whole System Analysis and Optimisation
Amount £1,560,068 (GBP)
Funding ID EP/K036734/1 
Organisation Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 08/2013 
End 08/2017
 
Description MAGLUE - Measurement and Analysis of bioenergy greenhouse gases: integrating GHGs into LCAs and the UK bioenergy value chain modelling environment
Amount £1,100,000 (GBP)
Funding ID EP/M013200/1 
Organisation Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 03/2015 
End 02/2018
 
Description Attendance and presentation at the International Bioenergy Conference 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Professor Gail Taylor Chaired and organised a session at this international conference. Two presentations were made from the project, one by Dr Zoe Harris on measurements of GHG balance and one by Dr Robert Holland on wider consideration of ecosystem services.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2014
URL http://bioenergy2014.co.uk/
 
Description Providing evidence to Committee on Climate Change for the 2018 Bioenergy Review 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact R Holland (SOTON) discussed ongoing work with Jenny Hill from the Committee on Climate Change and the possibility of contributing to their bioenergy and land use reviews due to be published end of 2018
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017,2018
URL https://www.theccc.org.uk/bioenergy-review-2018-call-evidence/
 
Description Visit to Drax and interaction with power generation industry 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact R Holland (SOTON) visited Drax powerstation together with Casper Donnison (Soton ADVENT PhD) and Astley Hastings (Aberdeen) and met sustainability team. Discussed ongoing work within UKERC relating to international implications of UK energy. Subsequent follow up meetings to discuss areas for joint research.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017