Scientists meet growers and policy makers in Southampton to identify a sustainable bioenergy future for the UK

Although it is recognised that bioenergy should play a significant role in the UK's portfolio of renewable energy technologies, the industry is developing slowly. One reason is the uncertainty of yields of new crops such as short rotation coppice trees, including willow and poplar, and perennial grasses such as miscanthus. The experts considered how to improve those yields through breeding programmes. They also discussed whether the impacts of climate change will be positive or negative for the crops and if the greenhouse gas balance or ‘carbon foot print' has been correctly determined.

Duncan Eggar, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Centre (BBSRC) Bioenergy Champion and meeting co-chair says: "The meeting was a timely opportunity to establish agreement on what yields can be achieved today and in the future, while maintaining the sustainability of these crops and without compromising our food production capabilities."

The group will produce a short document for policy makers, on current and likely future yields and how these may be achieved including a consideration of the potential of genetic modification.