Biomass Sustainability Adviser

The government supports the use of sustainable biomass as a low-carbon source of energy across a range of sectors, including electricity, heat and transport.

Earlier this year the government announced, following consultation, that new support will be offered to eligible biomass generators when existing support runs out in 2027. As part of this, the sustainability criteria tied to this support will be strengthened. In addition, the government is developing a common biomass sustainability framework and will be consulting on these proposals shortly.

To deliver this support, the Minister for Energy announced the appointment of an independent adviser for biomass sustainability, to ensure the government has access to considered, expert guidance on the development of biomass policy and practice.

Responsibilities for the adviser may include:

• Provide expert advice to DESNZ, DfT, Ofgem and LCCC on sustainability issues relevant to policy development, regulatory oversight and contract delivery.

·       Advising on how developments may inform LCCC’s approach to interpreting and applying relevant aspects of new biomass Contracts for Difference (CfDs), such as the evidential basis for fuel compliance, fuel trials, or potential exceptions to standard contractual criteria.

• Reviewing outputs from relevant UK Government bodies commissioned reports on current sustainability assurance to identify lessons learned and required risk monitoring.

• Supporting senior officials and ministers with the development of the Common Biomass Sustainability Framework, including identifying key academic and research outputs and international regulatory best practice.

• Advising on potential implications for biomass supply chains resulting from the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

• Providing insight into voluntary certification schemes, such as FSC, ISCC and SBP.

About the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) is the lead department delivering the Prime Minister’s mission to make the UK a Clean Energy Superpower. That mission is divided into two pillars:

• Clean Power by 2030, and
• Accelerating to net zero.

DESNZ is responsible for delivering the security of energy supply, ensuring properly functioning energy markets, encouraging greater energy efficiency, and seizing the opportunities of net zero to lead the world in new green industries. The Department’s priorities are to:

• enhance energy security;
• protect bill payers;
• create economic growth in the UK and generate and protect jobs; and
• reduce the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions.

For more information about DESNZ please visit the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero page on GOV.UK

DESNZ is seeking one independent adviser with demonstrable experience and industry knowledge in the field of biomass sustainability. Essential criteria for the role include:

• Professionals with contemporary industry or academic experience, a proven intellectual capacity at the highest level and the ability to explain complex processes to a non-specialist audience. ?

• Demonstrable commercial awareness of the cost and operational considerations for industry and government relating to existing sustainability regimes.

• Demonstrable senior-level career experience and working knowledge of the full range of biomass supply chains (including woody biomass, biomethane and biofuels), either directly or through auditing or monitoring, reporting and validation and sustainable biomass practices.
• An understanding of the underlying science and research behind sustainable forestry and/or biomass.

• Strong interpersonal skills and a collegiate approach, including the ability to work collaboratively with senior officials and ministers, and to actively and constructively contribute to high-level policy discussions. ?

• An international outlook, with a knowledge of international policy and regulatory approaches to biomass, and the ability to identify key lessons for UK policy.

• A clear track record of providing authority, knowledge, and context to complex and multi-faceted issues. ?

• Experience of synthesising and evaluating evidence and information from diverse sources to identify key issues and provide effective, impartial and balanced advice. ?

• Experience of working closely with certification programmes or bodies on sustainability issues, for example by sitting on a technical committee.

• A working knowledge of the bioenergy sector.