Perennial Biomass Crops for Greenhouse Gas Removal
Lead Research Organisation:
Aberystwyth University
Department Name: IBERS
Abstract
Miscanthus and short rotation coppice willow are regarded as the UK's most promising sustainable perennial biomass crops (PBCs). Both these crops have the capability of producing large amounts of harvestable biomass, very quickly, from low levels of input such as fertiliser and can be grown on land less suited to food production. They provide a renewable source of energy, which is broadly carbon neutral. For example, carbon is fixed by photosynthesis and when the crop is harvested and converted to energy, such as through combustion, that carbon is released again as carbon dioxide. However, when bioenergy is combined with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), the photosynthetically fixed carbon is not released back to the atmosphere, but is instead stored, for example, offshore. BECCS can therefore be used as a technology for greenhouse gas removal, to help the UK achieve its target to be "net zero" by 2050.
The planted area of PBCs is currently 7,000 ha of Miscanthus and 5,000 ha of willow. They are also relatively new crops, unfamiliar to many farmers. Our Perennial Biomass Crops for Greenhouse Gas Removal (PBC4GGR) project will undertake the research needed to enable Miscanthus and willow crops to be successfully scaled up, and rapidly enough, to respond to the climate change crisis. For example, we aim to develop the pathway from the current planting of 800 ha a year, to the 23,000 ha a year recommended by the Committee of Climate Change to meet the 2050 net zero target. Our project will demonstrate how the technical and social barriers to increased PBC production can be overcome, while maximising the amount of greenhouse gas removal and the environmental and social benefits which PBCs can deliver.
For PBCs to deliver their potential, we will be optimising the crop establishment agronomy needed to enable their rapid scale up. In addition, we will measure greenhouse gas fluxes on the land transitioned to PBCs and compare it to adjacent land remaining under conventional management. Combined high resolution CO2 fluxes, growth, meteorology and soil traits will be used to derive modelling parameters for UK wide greenhouse gas mapping. PBCs could be in the ground for up to 20, or even more, years so they can also increase soil carbon sequestered as well as providing a renewable feedstock for BECCS. Diversity in rooting depth and the presence of longer lived carbon compounds in root/rhizome will be screened to explore if opportunities for greater carbon sequestration could be bred into future varieties. Miscanthus and willow are both also capable of growing on more marginal land, so providing farmers with more options for diversification, at a time of change in the support schemes for farming, and also avoiding direct competition with primary food production. The large-scale changes in land use that greenhouse gas removal options will require need to be acceptable or even welcome to local communities, so we will investigate attitudes amongst the communities who may be affected. We will use a number of modelling approaches to understand the extent of scale up possible, the environmental impacts and the overall contribution of BECCS. Impacts of large scale PBCs on environment and rural economies will be forecast spatially and temporally and barriers to social acceptance will be assessed and addressed with innovative information on the opportunities and benefits for all. In conjunction with other Demonstrator projects and the Hub, we will seek to provide an integrated way forward that allows the UK to meet its net zero emissions.
The project is led by Aberystwyth University who have bred scalable Miscanthus varieties, and willow varieties have been bred by Rothamsted Research. Measurements of greenhouse gases are led by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, and modelling at Aberdeen will quantify greenhouse gas removal and economics. Gloucestershire will lead social science to understand perception barriers.
The planted area of PBCs is currently 7,000 ha of Miscanthus and 5,000 ha of willow. They are also relatively new crops, unfamiliar to many farmers. Our Perennial Biomass Crops for Greenhouse Gas Removal (PBC4GGR) project will undertake the research needed to enable Miscanthus and willow crops to be successfully scaled up, and rapidly enough, to respond to the climate change crisis. For example, we aim to develop the pathway from the current planting of 800 ha a year, to the 23,000 ha a year recommended by the Committee of Climate Change to meet the 2050 net zero target. Our project will demonstrate how the technical and social barriers to increased PBC production can be overcome, while maximising the amount of greenhouse gas removal and the environmental and social benefits which PBCs can deliver.
For PBCs to deliver their potential, we will be optimising the crop establishment agronomy needed to enable their rapid scale up. In addition, we will measure greenhouse gas fluxes on the land transitioned to PBCs and compare it to adjacent land remaining under conventional management. Combined high resolution CO2 fluxes, growth, meteorology and soil traits will be used to derive modelling parameters for UK wide greenhouse gas mapping. PBCs could be in the ground for up to 20, or even more, years so they can also increase soil carbon sequestered as well as providing a renewable feedstock for BECCS. Diversity in rooting depth and the presence of longer lived carbon compounds in root/rhizome will be screened to explore if opportunities for greater carbon sequestration could be bred into future varieties. Miscanthus and willow are both also capable of growing on more marginal land, so providing farmers with more options for diversification, at a time of change in the support schemes for farming, and also avoiding direct competition with primary food production. The large-scale changes in land use that greenhouse gas removal options will require need to be acceptable or even welcome to local communities, so we will investigate attitudes amongst the communities who may be affected. We will use a number of modelling approaches to understand the extent of scale up possible, the environmental impacts and the overall contribution of BECCS. Impacts of large scale PBCs on environment and rural economies will be forecast spatially and temporally and barriers to social acceptance will be assessed and addressed with innovative information on the opportunities and benefits for all. In conjunction with other Demonstrator projects and the Hub, we will seek to provide an integrated way forward that allows the UK to meet its net zero emissions.
The project is led by Aberystwyth University who have bred scalable Miscanthus varieties, and willow varieties have been bred by Rothamsted Research. Measurements of greenhouse gases are led by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, and modelling at Aberdeen will quantify greenhouse gas removal and economics. Gloucestershire will lead social science to understand perception barriers.
Organisations
Publications
Briones MJI
(2023)
Species selection determines carbon allocation and turnover in Miscanthus crops: Implications for biomass production and C sequestration.
in The Science of the total environment
Clifton-Brown J
(2023)
Perennial biomass cropping and use: Shaping the policy ecosystem in European countries.
in Global change biology. Bioenergy
Liu Y
(2022)
The development of a new crop growth model SwitchFor for yield mapping of switchgrass.
in Global change biology. Bioenergy
McGuire R
(2022)
Potential Co-benefits and trade-offs between improved soil management, climate change mitigation and agri-food productivity
in Food and Energy Security
Shepherd A
(2023)
Novel Miscanthus hybrids: Modelling productivity on marginal land in Europe using dynamics of canopy development determined by light interception.
in Global change biology. Bioenergy
Von Hellfeld R
(2022)
Expanding the Miscanthus market in the UK: Growers in profile and experience, benefits and drawbacks of the bioenergy crop.
in Global change biology. Bioenergy
| Description | The project is still ongoing but early and preliminary findings include: 1) that the current best practice of establishment for perennial energy crops is very effective. 2) It is difficult to avoid tillage and herbicide treatment in the year of establishment, when planting into grassland. 3) the application of biochar during the establishment phase reduced NO2 emissions. 4) There is variation in below ground carbon under different Miscanthus genotypes, indicating a potential in the future to breed for soil carbon sequestration. 5) Focus groups with farmers is identifying factors which affect growers willingness to grow non food crops. |
| Exploitation Route | The project is demonstrating to farmers, agriculture students (eg at Bishop Burton and Myerscough College), biomass end users, policymakers and green financers the potential for perennial biomass crops to deliver Greenhouse Gas Removal to help the UK meet its international commitments on net zero and create new green jobs in the rural economy. |
| Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink Energy Environment Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology |
| URL | https://pbc4ggr.org.uk/ |
| Description | The research from the project is ongoing but results and the demonstration site is helping in the "normalisation" of perennial biomass crops, which is a critical first step in their upscaling. A key element of the project is to establish the role of perennial biomass crops as an approach to greenhouse gas removal (GGR) as opposed to simply a source of renewable electricity. The project has therefore sparked interest beyond academia, including from the Climate Change Committee, DESNZ/Defra and devolved equivalents, and from private investors. The work on farmer behaviours and barriers to uptake has been highlighted as being of specific interest to policy makers. The field scale demonstration site of Miscanthus is the first commercial scale planting of our new seed-based hybrid, and is demonstrating commercially relevant yields in a 2 year old crop compared to the industry standard 3 years for Miscanthus giganteus. This has significantly improved the economics of the crop, and in turn interest in its commercial deployment. This in turn will improve the resilience of Miscanthus market as a whole (since it is a population as opposed to a single clone, and therefore less susceptible to pest and disease). |
| First Year Of Impact | 2023 |
| Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Energy,Environment |
| Impact Types | Societal Economic |
| Description | Contributed to evidence session with Climate Change Committee in relation to setting of the 7th carbon budget |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
| Description | Discussions with Defra staff on SRC willow |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to new or improved professional practice |
| Description | Discussions with NFU Cymru stakeholders on response to the Sustainble Farming Scheme Consultation |
| Geographic Reach | Local/Municipal/Regional |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Description | Future Energy Scenarios Report for National grid |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
| Description | Hosted Farmers Union of Wales President's visit |
| Geographic Reach | Local/Municipal/Regional |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Description | Hosted visit from DESNZ staff at IBERS |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
| Description | Hosted visit from Plaid Cymru MP and Assembly Members Ben Lake and Elin Jones |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
| Description | Meeting with Scottish Government to discuss perennial biomass crops |
| Geographic Reach | Local/Municipal/Regional |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Description | Member of the Wales Agriculture Industry Climate Change Advisory Group |
| Geographic Reach | Local/Municipal/Regional |
| Policy Influence Type | Membership of a guideline committee |
| Description | POSTnote Biomass for UK Energy |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
| URL | https://post.parliament.uk/research-briefings/post-pn-0690/ |
| Description | Participation in a focus group with Malaysian scientists |
| Geographic Reach | Asia |
| Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
| Description | Presented written evidence to Welsh Government committee regarding hte Genetic Technology (precision breeding) bill brought forward by the UK Government |
| Geographic Reach | Local/Municipal/Regional |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
| Description | Provided written evidence to public consultation by the Climate Change Committee on the 7th carbon budget |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
| URL | https://www.theccc.org.uk/climate-action/calls-for-evidence/ |
| Description | Publication with the Wales Centre for Public Policy titled "How could Wales feed itself in 2035? Evidence Pack" |
| Geographic Reach | Local/Municipal/Regional |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
| URL | https://www.wcpp.org.uk/publication/how-can-wales-feed-itself-in-2035/ |
| Description | Roundtable discussion with Julie James, the Minister for Climate Change, Welsh Government. |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
| Description | Roundtable discussions with NFU Cymru and Chief Executive |
| Geographic Reach | Local/Municipal/Regional |
| Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
| Description | Roundtable on "Bioenergy crops and Net Zero" with the Secretary of State for Wales (David Davies) at Royal Welsh Agricultural Show |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Description | Technical Expert on the Welsh Government Net Zero 2035 Challenge Group |
| Geographic Reach | Local/Municipal/Regional |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| URL | https://www.gov.wales/written-statement-net-zero-2035-challenge-group-first-meeting |
| Description | Visit and round table discussion with Lee Waters, Deputy Minister for Climate Change, Welsh Government |
| Geographic Reach | Local/Municipal/Regional |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
| Description | Visit from Drax Innovation team to IBERS Aberystwyth |
| Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
| Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
| Description | Written evidence to public consultation by Welsh Government on Net Zero Sector Skills |
| Geographic Reach | Local/Municipal/Regional |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
| URL | https://www.gov.wales/net-zero-sector-skills |
| Description | hosted visit of the Chief Science Advisor for Wales to IBERS, Aberystwyth |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Description | Assessment of GGR methods and their potential deployment |
| Amount | £80,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2021 |
| End | 07/2021 |
| Description | BEIS Biomass Feedstocks Innovation |
| Amount | £164,888 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | ABE-233-1-B |
| Organisation | Government of the UK |
| Department | Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 06/2021 |
| End | 02/2022 |
| Description | Biomass Connect: Biomass Innovation and Information. BEIS Biomass Feedstock Innovation Programme, Phase 2. |
| Amount | £5,955,907 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Government of the UK |
| Department | Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2022 |
| End | 03/2025 |
| Description | Miscanspeed; Accelerating Miscanthus Breeding using Genomic Selection. BEIS Biomass Feedstocks Innovation Programme, Phase 2 |
| Amount | £2,083,722 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | ABE-233 |
| Organisation | Government of the UK |
| Department | Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2022 |
| End | 03/2025 |
| Title | Expanding the Miscanthus market in the UK: Growers in profile and experience, benefits and drawbacks of the bioenergy crop |
| Description | To achieve net zero greenhouse gas emission by 2050 as set out by the 2019 amendment to the 2008 UK Climate Change Act, a major shift towards renewable energy is needed. This includes the development of new methods along with improving and upscaling existing technologies. One example of new methods in bioenergy is developing new Miscanthus cultivars for electricity generation via thermal power station furnaces. Miscanthus is still relatively new compared to other agriculture practices, so market assessments and improvements are needed to reduce the barriers of entry for prospective growers. This publication provides a profile of UK Miscanthus growers and their businesses, their experiences of benefits and drawbacks of the crop, and what they see as potential barriers to entry for prospective farmers. A survey of current Miscanthus growers in England and Wales was conducted and indicated that most farmers were content with the crop and that its environmental and economic benefits were noted. However, it was evident that with a geographically limited UK market, growers wanted to see a better distribution of biomass processing stations to reduce the ongoing costs of transport. With growing demand for renewables, including bio-energy sources, it was determined important to provide information and support for stable farming operations and to incentivise the adoption of Miscanthus. Such incentives include ongoing development of new cultivars, focussing on traits such as production potential and stressor resilience, and growers indicated preference for an annual planting grant. These developments are predicted to further improve the crop's profit margin, making it a more cost-effective crop for farmers. Sensitively managed Miscanthus also has the potential to contribute to carbon sequestration, soil health and aspects of farmland biodiversity. Incentivising such management in government land-based environmental schemes would offer additional income streams and help to promote environmental positive crop planting. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2022 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| URL | http://datadryad.org/stash/dataset/doi:10.5061/dryad.83bk3j9tz |
| Description | Afternoon talk for University of the Third Age |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Talk to U3A group about climate change in Wales, how members can reduce their environmental impact, and the potential for future farming systems in reducing climate change impact. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Article for "The National" newspaper |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | 900 word article for Wales' new National newspaper on the importance of COP26 for Wales, highlighting the role of both personal actions and policy decisions in Wales in meeting the carbon budgets for Wales and the UK, and the Paris Climate accord. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | https://www.thenational.wales/news/19652136.cop26-mean-wales/ |
| Description | Attend and present at the DIT Game Changing Technology for Agriculture event (One great George Street, London) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Iain Donnison gave the Keynote Presentation for the session on Game Changing Innovation for the Circular Economy to UK and international industry and policymakers. The presentation resulted in multiple questions and discussion afterwards which have the potential to increase industry collaboration in the UK and internationally. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | BBSRC representative at the UKRI Westminster Net Zero event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Our work on the role of Miscanthus in achieving net zero was chosen by BBSRC as their contribution to the UKRI Net Zero event held at Westminser in October 2021. Attended and spoke to a large number of politicians and civil servants about Miscanthus and greenhouse gas removal. Leaflets on the PBC4GGR project were also distributed and our work featured in the video shown at the event. The event also included a virtual exhibtion mirroring the physical one, which was attended by individuals from around the UK and resulted in a number of questions about Miscanthus being answered by the staff on the virtual stand. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| Description | Biomass demonstration stand at Welsh Winter Fair, Royal Welsh Showground |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Exhibited at the Royal Welsh Showground Winter Fair on biomass crops and their role in the agricultural landscape. Discussed biomass crops with farmers, policy makers and general public. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Blog piece for an industry newsletter |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | blog piece for the Terravesta newsletter on Miscanthus breeding. Led to enquiries from potential Miscanthus growers. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://www.terravesta.com/news/picking-the-brain-of-a-miscanthus-maestro-on-the-need-to-develop-new... |
| Description | Chaired Panel discussion on 'Can we have our cake and eat it? Agriculture and Building the Bioeconomy' at Royal Welsh Agricultural Show |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Chaired a panel discussion entitled "Can We Have Our Cake and Eat It? Agriculture and Building the Bioeconomy" with Dr Jonathan Scurlock, NFU; Teleri Fielden, FUW; John Richards, HCC; Dr Jonathan Hughes, Pennotec and Professor Joe Gallagher. Venue was the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show, which has annual visitor numbers of around 240,000. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/ibers/news/news-article/title-254918-en.html |
| Description | Dicussions with Tata Steel regarding using Miscanthus as feedstock to decarbonise steel production |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Began discussions with Tata Steel about decarbonising steel production, with a particular focus on South Wales. Discussions centred around the scope for coal replacement as a means of allowing steel production to continue whilst drastically reducing it's carbon footprint. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Engagement with NFU-Cymru on Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Attended briefing event at NFU-Cymru Head Quarters (Builth) on Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS). This is linked to role as academic board advisory group member on net zero for NFU and on wider engagement with farming community on climate change: mitigation and adaptation. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.nfu-cymru.org.uk/news-and-information/supply-chain-sfs-concerns-heard-at-nfu-cymru-meeti... |
| Description | Event at Senedd; Feeding Wales and the World |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Participated in a lunchtime discussion in the Senedd, sponsored by the Llywydd Elin Jones MS, part of a series marking the 150th anniversary of Aberystwyth University. Highlighted key research done at Aberystwyth relating to food production and supply chains, future visions for Welsh agriculture, and the importance of diversifying land uses. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Exhibited at a STEM event for children |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Anita Shepherd exhibited and hosted discussions with school children on 'Maths in the Energy Mix' that targets children aged 14-15 to encourage them to consider how studying STEM subjects can contribute to the future renewable energy mix in the UK. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Exhibitor stand at Cereals show |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Staff were present on an exhibition stand on biomass crops at the Cereals show (Newnham Farm, Hertfordshire) discussing perennial biomass crops as a diversification opportunity with farmers, industry stakeholders, policy makers and the general public |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Expert in workshop on climate communication |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | DICEY: Dialogue on climate interventions with Youth. Invited participant in workshop exploring how to communicate with young people on climate change issues in particular greenhouse gas removals. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Farm walk explaining Miscanthus to farmers/potential growers |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Attended a 'Farm Walk' at a site in Pembrokeshire hosted by an existing Miscanthus farmer. Approximately 15 potential growers were present and were able to see the crop, and ask questions of both the commercial company and Aberystwyth staff with knowledge of the underpinning research and broader policy context. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| Description | Feature in a careers brochure aimed at school children |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Dr Astley Hastings was interviewed for a careers brochure aimed at school children interested in what a career in environmental science might look like. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | https://futurumcareers.com/can-plants-avert-the-climate-crisis |
| Description | Hosted a visit of the Oxford Farming Conference Chair to IBERS |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Judith Thornton hosted a visit from the chair of the Oxford Farming Conference (Will Evans) to discuss agricultural innovation and agricultural emissions in relation to the UK's net zero targets. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Hosted workshop at Royal Welsh Winter Fair on biomass crops for welsh farmers |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Organised a seminar on options for perennial biomass crops at Royal Welsh Winter Fair, attended by farmers, policy makers (Welsh Government) and Union stakeholders (NFU). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://www.ccri.ac.uk/news/10/2022/ccri-welsh-fair/ |
| Description | Images of Innovation at COP26 Glasgow and online |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | COP26 included a photo exhibition called "Images of Innovation" which we joined as part of the COP26 Universities Network. Our photo (of Miscanthus) was accompanied with explanatory text and weblinks. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | https://www.strath.ac.uk/workwithus/cop26/innovationshowcase/livingonlandsea/bigthingshavesmallbegin... |
| Description | Inerview for Radio 3 "Green Thinking" podcast |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Dr Will McAlpine was featured on a Radio 3 podcast in the series "Green Thinking". The podcasts are all available from the Arts & Ideas podcast feed - and collected on the Free Thinking website under Green Thinking where you can also find programmes on mushrooms, forests, rivers, eco-criticism and soil. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p07zg0r2 |
| Description | Interview published in a non-fiction book |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Judith Thornton's expert interview published in a non-fiction book called "Sarn Helen, A Journey through Wales Past, Present and Future" by Tom Bullough. Published by Granta, March 2023. ISBN: 9781783788095 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://granta.com/products/sarn-helen/ |
| Description | Low Carbon Agriculture Show 2022 (Stoneleigh), Panel Debate: Decarbonising Welsh Agriculture |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Iain Donnison was a panel member for the Debate on "Decarbonising Welsh Agriculture" at the Low Carbon Agriculture show at NAEC, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire. The event involved Welsh Government, NFU-Cymru, industry and the third sector with Prof Donnison representing academia. There was an audience of several hundred primarily from industry and the initial presentation sparked questions and subsequent discussion. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://lowcarbonagricultureshow.co.uk |
| Description | Low Carbon Agriculture Show 2023 (Stoneleigh) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Produced media, (banners and handouts) for stall manned for 2 days to engage with attendees. Questions on use and availability of Miscanthus crop plus impacts on co-benefits including flood mitigation and end uses such as biochar. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Meeting with Ceredigion Council leaders to discuss the role of agriculture in low carbon futures |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Discussions on the scope for agricultural production to provide feedstock for the future bioeconomy at a local level, in order to safeguard livelihoods. Links to economic development and local growth deals. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Miscanthus research showcased at a Wales Innovation Network Event at Lancaster House, Westminster |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Kerrie Farrar and Beatrice Ifie exhibited at an event in Westminster on Miscanthus research and the role of Miscanthus in net zero. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Outreach lecture at the Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth on the future of plants as building materials |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Lecture to a group of practitioners, students and general public on the ways in which plant material can be processed into building materials. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Panel Discussion on Bioscience for Net Zero |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Panel discussion on Bioscience for Net Zero with Aled Jones President, NFU Cymru; Ian Rickman, Deputy President FUW; Paul Billings Managing Director, Germinal GB; Prof Iain Donnison; and Harriet Trewin, BBSRC. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/ibers/news/news-article/title-254918-en.html |
| Description | Panel discussion on Adapting Agriculture for Future Climates at RWAS 2023 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Iain Donnison chaired an invited panel of speakers including Paul Billings (Germinal), Colin Miles (BBSRC) and Minette Batters (NFU president) at an invite-only stakeholders event at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show 2023. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Panel member at Supergen Bioenergy Hub meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Invited panel member for discussion on Bioenergy and public engagement at Supergen Bioenergy Hub Showcase meeting in Birmingham 7-8th September 2022 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Panelist at a Countryside Landowners Association business breakfast discussion at Royal Welsh Agricultural Show |
| 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 | Iain Donnison was a panelist on a CLA business breakfast discussion at Royal Welsh Agricultural Show, July 2023. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Panelist at the University Climate Week Launch event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Aberystwyth University Festival of Science focussed on Climate Change in October 2021. The launch event included a main speaker from the European Commission and responses from 3 panelists, including Judith Thornton. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| Description | Panelist for Farming Today Radio 4 discussion at RWAS |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Iain Donnison was on a panel discussion at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show that was live to the public and recorded for the Radio 4 Farming Today programme on 25th July 2023. Other panel members were Abi Reader (NFU Cymru) and Arfon Williams (RSPB). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Podcast for National Grid on Nature based solutions |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Dr Jeanette Whitaker was interviewed fro a podcast for National Grid as part of a series on the Clean Energy Revolution. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://www.nationalgrid.com/podcasts/clean-energy-revolution |
| Description | Podcast interview for Clean Energy Revolution podcast |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Interviewed for a podcast on How nature can help us capture carbon for the Clean Energy Revolution Podcast. Talked about bioenergy, afforestation, soil carbon storage and the costs, benefits and trade-offs |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://omny.fm/shows/the-clean-energy-revolution/how-nature-can-help-us-capture-carbon |
| Description | Q&A article for Energy Now magazine |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Q&A article regarding breeding of biomass crops and how it can contribute to the UK combatting climate change |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://energy-now.co.uk/interview/dr-judith-thornton-low-carbon-manager-ibers-aberystwyth-universit... |
| Description | Radio 4 Interview on the National Willow Collection |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Will MacAlpine was interviewed on Radio 4 Farming Today on the 100th Anniversary of the National Willow Collection |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Radio interview for Radio Cymru on the role of AI in plant breeding |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Judith Thornton was interviewed in the Welsh language on the role of AI in plant breeding for the "Dros Ginio" show on Radio Cymru (lunchtime talk show) which was broadcasting from the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Radio interview for Radio Wales on the role of AI in plant breeding |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Iain Donnison and Gancho Slavov took part in a discussion broadcast on Radio Wales 'Science Cafe' programme on the role of AI in plant breeding. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001qt9m |
| Description | Radio interview with radio Gloucestershire |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Julie Ingram was interviewed on Radio Gloucestershire on 27/10/21 in the run up to COP26 about what emerging areas of research were being done in the UK that could contribute to achieving net zero carbon emissions. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| Description | Speaker and panelist at the COP Cymru regional roadshow (mid Wales) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | As part of their COP26 activity, the Welsh Government organised a COP Cymru regional roadshow. We provided a speaker/panelist who discussed the role of plants, including Miscanthus in the future bioeconomy. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| Description | Stakeholder engagement at a biomass crops demonstration event at SRUC, Edinburgh |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Will MacAlpine engaged with growers, policymakers and students at a biomass connect demonstration day. Discussed SRC willow planting and the role of willow in the wider context of forestry and biomass crops. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Sustainable Agriculture for the 21st Century through Interdisciplinary exploration in Wales |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Iain Donnison gave a keynote presentation jointly with Karin Metzlaff of EPSO on European collaboration on sustainable agriculture. Dr Metzlaff described the opportunities that exist for collaboration and Prof Donnison described case studies from IBERS participation in current and recently completed projects which included those on Miscanthus from the GRACE and OPTIMISC projects. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://sustainable-agriculture.b2match.io |
| Description | Talk at Low Carbon Agriculture Event, Stoneleigh |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Talk on "A guide to utilising biomass for electricity generation and long term carbon capture (BECCS)" as part of a session on the role of biomass in net zero plans. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://lowcarbonagricultureshow.co.uk/conference/energy-now-expo/ |
| Description | UK Greenhouse Gas Removals Conference Presentation |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Conference presentation describing plans for the Perennial Biomass Crops for Greenhouse Gas Removals project at the UK Greenhouse Gas Removals Conference in London |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Video for Wales Climate Week |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Iain Donnison was interviewed, plus additional footage of Miscanthus and the facilities at the University for a film on Energy Crops and Greenhouse Gas Removal that was shown as part of Wales Climate Week. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| Description | Visit to biomass combustion facility to discuss Miscanthus as a feedstock |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Will MacAlpine, Elaine Jensen, Mark Needham went to Western Bioenergy Ltd, a 15.8 MWh sustainable bioenergy power plant in South Wales to discuss blending Miscanthus into their current feedstock for the biomass boilers. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | article for BBC Wales news website |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | In response to a request from the BBC about what individuals could do in relation to climate change, Judith Thornton contributed ideas and a quote for the role of personal action, policy change and research requirements. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-58735561 |
| Description | discussions with farmers on biomass crops |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Julie Ingram discussed the role of perennial biomass crops at a farming diversification event at Cockle Park Farm, Morpeth, August 2023. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | hosted early career civil servants visit to Rothamsted Research |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Presented willow research to ~40 civil servants (two groups of 20). The early career civil servants were attending RRes as part of the Faststream programme. They recived internal triaining as well as interacting with other research areas within RRes |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | hosted visit of NFU Cymru Next Generation Farmers Group |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | 20 practicing farmers attended IBERS for a day to learn about biomass crops, TB, upland grazing, optimising production efficiency of livestock, grassland management. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.nfu-cymru.org.uk/news-and-information/nfu-cymru-next-generation-group-visit-aberystwyth/ |
| Description | hosted visit to Rothamsted from the Defra Trees, Woodland and Forestry team |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Ian Shield and Will MacAlpine hosted a visit from the Defra Trees, Woodland and Forestry team (Evidence Lead, SRF/SRC Science Advisors). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | interviewed for an article in the Financial Times on strawbale building |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Interviewed for and supplied data for an article on the role of plant based building materials (specifically strawbale). Specific contribution related to the potential use of Miscanthus straw (as opposed to cereal straw) and its role in carbon sequestration. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | https://www.ft.com/content/a42d0a24-2543-445e-83f1-8227d0110756 |
| Description | tour of facilities for farmers interested in growing Miscanthus |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Following an earlier farm walk in Pembrokeshire, potential Miscanthus growers had expressed enthusiasm for a visit to the University to see Miscanthus crops and some of the research facilities. We showed them some of our germplasm collection, the seed biobank, and our biorefining facilities. This sparked discussions about the role of Miscanthus in Welsh farming systems, a further visit to our upland research platform at Pwllpeiran, and a farmer to put in an order with a commercial supplier to plant 43ha of Miscanthus in spring 2022. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |