DEVELOPMENT AND DELIVERY OF A WORKSHOP METHODOLOGY:

PLANNING FOR BIOMASS POWER PLANT PROJECTS

ETSU B/U1/00649/REP

DTI/Pub URN 01/1043

ContractorsPat Delbridge Associates International (PDA)

Barton Willmore Partnership (BWP)

Prepared by AJ Gray (PDA)

P Delbridge (PDA) E Trevorrow (PDA)

C Pile (BWP)

The work described in this report was carried out under contract as part of the

DTI Sustainable Energy Programmes. The views and judgements expressed in this report are those of the contractor and do not necessarily reflect those of the DTI.

First published 2001 © Crown copyright 2001

DEVELOPMENT AND DELIVERY OF A WORKSHOPMETHODOLOGY:" PLANNING FOR BIOMASS POWER PLANT PROJECTS"EXECUTIVE SUMMARYProducing energy through sustainable means has been recognised by the UK Government as an important element in our energy future. The introduction of Government targets to produce energy through renewable sources such as the renewable energy targets and climate change targets to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, are seen as key drivers for the future of renewable energy in the UK.

Biomass power production can offer a significant contribution to meeting these targets in the future, offering a sustainable energy source with less environmental impact than other energy options processed from non renewable sources. It is generally accepted that there will be an increasing number of biomass power plant applications submitted in the future.

To date most planning permission applications for biomass power projects have been granted but there are also some examples of ‘stalled’ applications. Questions have been raised amongst biomass proponents regarding the information needs of planners and other key stakeholders in relation to these applications.

This project aimed to provide a proven workshop methodology to be used with stakeholders around biomass power plant planning applications. The purpose of the workshop process is:

To raise awareness of the key issues and concerns that may exist among the various stakeholders in biomass power plant

planning.

In order to move forward with developing biomass power production in the UK there are two key questions which need to be addressed.

• What are the difficulties that biomass applications may face?• How can we improve the chance of success of appropriate

applications?

This project arose in response to these questions. The project objective was to:

Produce a replicable workshop methodology to inform planners of the key issues that may arise when a planning

application is submitted for a biomass power plant.

This report describes the approach used to formulate a workshop methodology to inform planners and other biomass stakeholders of the key issues that may arise when planning for biomass power plants. In doing this, questions, concerns and information needs can be met in advance of an application being determined.

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The first phase of the project involved a scoping exercise of the stakeholder issues and concerns. One-on-one interviews were held with stakeholders around biomass applications that had been successfully sited and those that had run into difficulties. The stakeholder categories identified were Central Government, Regulatory Authorities, Developers, Planners, NGO’s and Local Community and Resident Groups. This phase provided valuable insight into the real and perceived issues and concerns that exist around biomass power plant applications and the role they might play in the success or failure of planning applications.

The compilation of information from the stakeholder interviews can be summarised into three key issues, to be explored in more detail through the pilot workshops:

• The Not In My Back Yard (NIMBY) syndrome which can exist around all new developments with the potential to impact on a local community or local environment;

• The lack of trust in the developer caused by suspicion and misunderstanding of the intent of the developer; and

• A general lack of awareness and understanding of biomass as a renewable energy resource by planners, politicians and other stakeholders.

Phase two of the project involved designing a workshop methodology, which was tested and informed by two pilot workshops, in Nottinghamshire and Hampshire.

The workshop methodology draws on participant’s experiences of biomass power plant planning and looks in more detail at the questions, issues and concerns emerging from the different stakeholder groups. The reasons why some applications succeed or fail are explored and discussed. Finally participants are asked to identify a set of needs and challenges in supporting the development of biomass in the UK for each of the stakeholder groups. Thus highlighting the importance of the role that every stakeholder group plays in increasing the likelihood of appropriate planning applications for biomass power plants being approved.

The result of this project is a workshop methodology and workbook guide aimed at informing and understanding the stakeholder issues and concerns around biomass through stakeholder discussions. This workshop and workbook guide are held in a ‘How To’ Manual in Annex One, entitled:

A ‘How To’ Manual for Carrying Out a “Planning for Biomass PowerPlants” Workshop

For further copies of the report and ‘How To’ Manual, visit the DTI’s web site (www.dti.gov.uk/renewable/index.html):

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CONTENTS1.0 introduction..............................................1

1.1 Background to Biomass use in energy production...........................................21.2 PURPOSE........................................................................................................................2

2.0 METHODOLOGY.............................................. 32.1 Stage One - Evaluation of written material.................................................... 32.2 Site Specific concerns to Newbridge-on-Wye....................................................... 42.3 Generic concerns to power plant planning........................................................ 52.4 Identification of Stakeholders.................................................................................. 52.5 One-on-one Interviews with Key Stakeholders.................................................6

3.0 PILOT WORKSHOPS.......................................... 73.1 Recruitment......................................................................................................................73.2 WORKSHOPS................................................................................................................. 73.3 Workshop Evaluation................................................................................................... 9

4.0 THE WORKBOOK.............................................105.0 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS..................................12

5.1 Stakeholder issues and concerns............................................................................ 125.2 Key Issues and Concerns from Stakeholders.......................................................12

5.2.1 Typical local ‘Not in my backyard’ NIMBY reactions..................................... 135.2.2 Distrust and misunderstanding of the intent of the developer.......................... 135.2.3 Lack of understanding of biomass in the UK and biomass power productionprocesses..........................................................................................................................13

5.3 Workshop Observations............................................................................................. 135.4 Stakeholder Needs and Challenges.......................................................................15

5.4.1 Government........................................................................................................155.4.2 Developers.........................................................................................................155.4.3 Planners............................................................................................................155.4.4 NGO’s................................................................................................................165.4.5 Community..........................................................................................................16

5.5 Participants Feedback of the Workshop Methodology................................... 165.5.1 Participant Expectations................................................................................... 165.5.2 Workshop Development.....................................................................................185.5.3 General Points for Replicating the Workshop.................................................. 19

6.0 REFERENCES.............................................. 217.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS........................................ 22APPENDIX A - THE FINDINGS FROM PREVIOUS BIOMASS PROJECTS AND STAKEHOLDER PERCEPTIONS..................................... 23ANNEX ONE "HOW TO” MANUAL - PLANNING FOR BIOMASS POWER PLANT WORKSHOPS

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DEVELOPMENT AND DELIVERY OF A WORKSHOPMETHODOLOGY:" PLANNING FOR BIOMASS POWER PLANT PROJECTS"1.0 INTRODUCTIONThe use of biomass as a form of energy production has a long history in many parts of the world. It is now becoming an increasingly attractive option for Europe and North America. The role that biomass can play in meeting targets for renewable energy has been recognised by the UK Government, through both energy and carbon dioxide emission reduction targets. The use of biomass for large-scale energy production is sufficiently novel as to raise a number of issues that have to be managed if planning applications are to be successful.

In 1990 the Department of Trade and Industry’s New & Renewable Energy (NRE) Programme formed an Environmental Liaison Group (ELG). This ELG was generated through the recognition that communication and planning would be essential elements in the future uptake of renewable technologies. The ELG was formed to secure the involvement, at an early stage in the development of the biomass industry, of a wide range of organisations with a direct interest in biomass utilisation and it’s environmental implications.

Although good practice guidelines had been developed1, there were still obstacles to be overcome to ensure that high quality biomass applications were commissioned successfully. It was agreed by the ELG that the associated ‘communication’ issues, including the need for mechanisms or tools to deliver information around biomass applications at the local level, needed to be addressed urgently.

Potential difficulties with planning applications for biomass are becoming more apparent as more applications are being submitted, most being granted planning permission but some failing. The failure to gain planning permission for some biomass power plants raised a number of questions amongst biomass proponents regarding the information needs of planners and other key stakeholders.

As a result of an ELG discussion in 1998 there were two key proposals:

• Support for the preparation of a series of biomass Fact Sheets2; and

• Support for an initiative to develop seminars in the locality of proposed projects, aimed at raising awareness of the issues surrounding biomass developments.

1 Good Practice Guidelines include: SRC (1996), Wood Fuel from Forestry (1998) and Anaerobic Digestion (1997). Available from British Biogen.2 Four ‘Wood Fuel for Electricity and Heat’ Fact Sheets have been produced to date. Available from the New & Renewable Energy Enquiries Bureau, ETSU.

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The latter initiative forms the focus of this project to determine and evaluate the key steps that need to be taken to ensure that the numerous biomass proposals that were being considered across the country could reach fruition.

1.1 Background to Biomass use in energy productionBiomass, as a form of energy production, is a proven technology in many parts of the world, with small-scale schemes operating in remote rural areas, particularly Africa and Asia. Small-scale plants can be extremely efficient forms of energy production. However the translation of this expertise into large-scale plants is much slower and more difficult. successful plants are already in existence in Sweden and in the UK planning permission has been given for biomass operations that use various forms of agricultural residues. There are presently (November 2000) no plants in the UK producing electricity solely from wood fuel, however there are numerous plants under construction and in the planning stages.

Using biomass as a form of large-scale energy production is a relatively new technology in the UK. This method of producing energy brings many environmental benefits over more traditional forms of energy production involving the burning of fossil fuels. Proponents of biomass boast that the production of energy through biomass offers a sustainable form of energy, reduces the production of greenhouse gases and can make a contribution to the UK’s commitment to combating global climate change. Additionally, some forms of biomass production, such as use of forestry residues or specifically produced energy crops (e.g. short rotation coppice) also enhance the rural environment by offering improved wildlife habitats. These projects can also create much needed employment opportunities in rural communities.

There are two types of biomass fuel, typically described as dependent or dedicated biomass (British Biogen, 2000a). Dependent biomass utilises resources that are normally found as by-products of other activities, e.g. chicken litter, straw, or forestry residues. Dedicated biomass is where the fuel is specifically grown for the purpose of biomass energy production, e.g. energy crops. Each option raises issues, and requires information that may not normally be available to concerned stakeholders.

1.2 PurposeThe purpose of this project was to identify the stakeholders, their issues and concerns around biomass power plant planning applications. In order to meet European and Government targets for renewable energy, the future will require an increasing number of applications and a need for applications to be successful. Following ELG discussion, it was decided that a mechanism was needed for planners to identify the key issues and concerns and to reduce the risk of appropriate applications failing to gain planning permission.

In order to achieve this, a ‘How To’ Manual has been produced to define a replicable workshop methodology that can be implemented as and when necessary.

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2.0 METHODOLOGYThe project3 involved several steps in order to set the scene for biomass power plant applications in the UK. The project aimed to identify the stakeholders involved and their issues and concerns around biomass applications and to design a workshop to raise awareness, increase familiarity with biomass projects and assist in information dissemination. In doing this there were four key stages:

(i.) An evaluation of written material, including background material, produced in support of planning applications for biomass energy products;

(ii.) One on one interview with stakeholders around biomass power plant applications;

(iii.) Two pilot workshops held in Nottinghamshire and Hampshire; and

(iv.) Preparation of a final report and ‘How To’ Manual for Planners.

2.1 Stage One - Evaluation of written materialIn order to evaluate the issues around biomass power plant planning applications, a review of existing literature on biomass activities and background material produced in support of planning applications for successful and unsuccessful biomass power plant applications was undertaken.

The evaluation of material enabled an understanding to be gained of the baseline of current information available around biomass activities and the key generic issues to be identified from those stakeholders with and without experience of biomass. This exercise also helped identify the key stakeholder groups involved around biomass power plant applications.

Existing literature was reviewed to assess the range of information available and the issues and concerns addressed within it. Literature was obtained by the methods that would be ‘typically’ used by both the public and informed stakeholders when researching around biomass power production. The key sources of information were: British Biogen, the biomass industry Trade Association, ETSU/Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) publications, Ministry for Agriculture Fisheries and Foods (MAFF), Developers and Non Governmental Organisations (NGO’s). The Internet was a source of information for all aspects of biomass power production, accommodating the diversity of knowledge levels within each stakeholder group.

3 In the preparation of this report PDA were greatly assisted by previous work supported by the DTI’s NRE Programme, in the form of stakeholder dialogues, around specific forms of biomass production.

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In coming to a more in-depth understanding of the issues that characterise the successful from the unsuccessful planning applications a case study was used. The case study was a planning application for a wood burning renewable energy plant in Newbridge-on-Wye, Powys, which was refused planning permission in 1998. This presented a recent case study of a modern application to highlight some of the local issues which may exist around biomass power plants. This offered a useful insight into the real issues perceived by stakeholders when faced with a biomass power plant planning application.

The case study was used as part of the methodology in designing a workshop format to draw up a list of initial key stakeholder issues and concerns which can arise in response to the submission of a planning application. The list of issues and concerns that have been established are those that statutory consultees, local groups and organisations and individual residents in the Newbridge-on-Wye case believe were significant in the planning determination. However the review does not take account of the accuracy of these issues and concerns raised, or any actions or changes which may have been made by the developer as a result of these concerns, its purpose was purely to record them.

Two clear categories can be highlighted from the issues and concerns, those that are specific to the selection of the Newbridge-on-Wye site, and those that are generic to most biomass power plant facilities. The following lists aim to offer a summary of the key concerns expressed by the statutory consultees and local residents of the Newbridge-on-Wye planning application.

2.2 Site Specific concerns to Newbridge-on-WyePlanning

• Does the proposal fit with the structure plan?• Concerns that time scales were too short for full consultation to

be carried out.

Pollution• Concerns that the reed beds will not filter out the pollutants

from the wastewater in the winter.• Inadequate information available on air and water pollution,

partly due to a lack of local meteorological data.• Conservation concerns because there is a Site of Special

scientific Interest (sssI), a National Nature Reserve and a Special Landscape Area all within the Wye Valley. These may be affected by emissions fall out and the water vapour plume from the plant.

• Ecology concerns as there is a sssI within the locality and the ecology of this could be damaged by an increase in Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) in the atmosphere.

Economy• Concerns that tourism could suffer if the plant is built.

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Traffic• The roads are unsuitable for increased Heavy Goods Vehicles

(HGV) movements.

Communication• The exhibition was only displayed in English not Welsh which

does not show a great deal of commitment to the needs of the local people.

2.3 Generic concerns to power plant planningTraffic, Noise and Visual Pollution

• Increased traffic movements of HGV’s.• Increased noise from traffic and plant operations.• The plant is an industrial feature and in a rural area this could be

especially offensive to the landscape in terms of the chimney and the vapour plume.

Health Concerns• Public health concerns exist around the emissions.

Technology• Pyrolysis is not an established process and there are concerns

that this plant could be the guinea pig.

Developer• Concern that if there is not enough wood fuel available that the

plant will burn sewage, tyres or household waste and that this forms a hidden agenda.

The issues raised by the Newbridge-on-Wye application were invaluable in informing the project of the diversity of views and stakeholders that arise when a planning application for a biomass power facility is submitted. These initial insights assisted in both identification of stakeholders and the development of interviews for these stakeholders.

2.4 Identification of StakeholdersAs with any proposal that involves new facilities a fairly large and diverse number of stakeholders can be assumed to hold an interest in the successful use of biomass in energy production. They include:

• National Government Departments;• Developers / Proponents;• Planning Consultants;• Local Authority Planners;• Environmental Groups;• Agricultural Organisations;

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• Community groups and individuals concerned with quality of local life.

Reviewing previous planning applications and experiences in Newbridge-on Wye, Ely, Corby, Yorkshire, Peterborough and Fife allowed a crosscheck of the stakeholders involved in biomass schemes to be carried out. This ensured that both the theoretical stakeholders in these types of applications, based on PDA’s extensive experience of stakeholder engagement, and ‘real site’ stakeholders who had actual experience of biomass planning applications had been identified.

2.5 One-on-one Interviews with Key StakeholdersRepresentatives in each of the key stakeholder groups were identified and interviewed. They were asked what they saw as the key stakeholder issues and concerns around biomass power plant applications.

Interviewees were selected by:• Environmental Liaison Group Members;• Stakeholders in the vicinity of existing biomass power plants;• Recommendations from stakeholders of other stakeholders with

an interest in biomass;• Stakeholders identified through the evaluation of written

material;• Stakeholders from the regions where the pilot workshops were

to take place.

The interviews took the form of telephone interviews led by the experience and biomass interests of the interviewee. A number of insights were gained from the interviews with key stakeholders who had previous involvement in biomass planning applications to determine what they thought the issues and concerns of the different stakeholder groups were. Insight was also gained from those stakeholders who had not had previous involvement in biomass planning applications and the issues they perceived around an application.

The interviews with key stakeholders and the review of the secondary information and material also provided very clear identification of the other stakeholders who needed to be involved to effectively represent the interests of the stakeholders around biomass planning.

The findings from previous applications and the stakeholder perceptions gained from the interviews identified the factors that could potentially influence biomass applications (Appendix A). These issues were used to contribute to the formulation of a workshop methodology for the pilot workshops.

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3.0 PILOT WORKSHOPSFollowing the scoping of stakeholder issues and concerns, a workshop was put together as a discussion forum to involve these stakeholder groups in addressing the key issues and identifying the key stakeholder needs in planning for biomass power plants.

Two regions in which to carry out the pilot workshops were identified by ETSU and PDA International. Using two regions allowed the workshop methodology to be designed to suit the range of knowledge levels that exist around the biomass industry. A contrast was sought between an area where planners had some experience of renewable energy and an area where there was very little experience.

3.1 RecruitmentAs has been discussed, there are a number of key stakeholders who were identified in the first phase of the project. It was important to ensure that stakeholders with an understanding of the issues related to sources of biomass material as well as the building and operating of the power plant facility be included. Stakeholder representation was sought from both a biomass development and policy making perspective. The national NGO’s and local community groups also have a key interest and it was important to ensure that their interests were fully explored. There were other stakeholders whose input was also needed, for example, electricity companies, Environment Agency and Central Government. To achieve a balance of stakeholder views, recruiting for the workshops reflected:

• Eight Planners• Four Developers• Four NGO’s• Four Local Residents• Four Others

For each of the categories of stakeholder a balance between participants with previous experience and those with no previous experience of biomass power plant applications was sought. Local and national knowledge was used from individuals who wished to contribute to the workshop; this allowed a balance of the national and local interests to be addressed.

Due to the general lack of experience of biomass in the UK the balance between local and national interest proved difficult to attain. As well as looking for those stakeholders with experience of biomass planning applications, those who had experience of biomass crops or renewable energy in general were also sought to provide a wider perspective.

3.2 WorkshopsThe first pilot workshop was held in Newark, Nottinghamshire, on 5 September 2000. A general awareness existed in the region around forms of

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renewable energy and to some extent biomass. Planners were recruited from the surrounding areas who had experience of biomass power plant planning applications to enhance the value gained from direct experience.

The second workshop was held in Winchester, Hampshire, on 10 October 2000 using the learning experiences gained from the Nottinghamshire workshop. The level of awareness of biomass in this area was limited, as there had been no previous applications for biomass power plants in the region.

The workshop day was structured to set the context for biomass both in the UK and Europe and of what the future could hold for the biomass industry. This involved a series of brief presentations from experts in the field to provide a baseline of information from which the workshop would develop. Planning issues and stakeholder views were addressed to provide the participants with an insight into what a planning application consists of and how it would be dealt with. The issues a planner would face when dealing with an application and how developers perceive planners were also presented. Finally the NGO and local resident perspectives on biomass power plants were looked at with insights into the roots of their concerns, their needs and how they can be met. This section of the workshop provided the opportunity for questions and comments from participants.

Having set the scene and context for biomass power plant applications small groups of five or six were set up, consisting of a mix of the stakeholder groups. The small groups each worked on the same case study of a biomass power plant application. The case study presented a scenario, in which the planning application had failed to gain planning permission. In order to enable a biomass power plant case study application to be workable in the time frame of a workshop, a much-condensed version of the detail required in an application was supplied. The information provided an overview of the plant, the locality and highlighted the key issues. Along with the case study, a series of questions were supplied to address each of the stakeholders’ issues. Each small group then reported their findings to the full group.

The second part of the day involved a presentation offering a developer’s viewpoint and the do’s and don’ts of preparing and submitting an application, followed by a planner’s perspective. In the Nottingham workshop, participants once again broke into smaller groups and looked at a second case study as if they were approaching an actual application. The purpose was to highlight a list of key actions, which would improve the chance of a successful application.

Following the developers and planners presentations, the Hampshire workshop involved participants working as a full group to identify the information needs of each of the stakeholder groups: Central Government; Environment Agency; Planners; Developers; NGO’s and Local Residents. Following this there was a final roundtable session to address any outstanding issues.

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3.3 Workshop EvaluationAs the purpose of the workshops was to pilot a methodology to identify a replicable tool for future use, it was important to measure the value and effectiveness of the workshops in order to make changes and recommendations to improve the process.

As part of the process evaluation each participant in the two workshops received a feedback form at the end of the day. The participants in each of the workshops had different levels of experience in biomass; those in Nottinghamshire had more experience of biomass issues than those in Hampshire. Therefore lessons learnt in both workshops allowed a workshop design which met the needs of both experienced and not so experienced participants.

The feedback from the Nottinghamshire workshop allowed lessons to be learnt that were important in making changes to the format of the Hampshire workshop. The feedback from the Hampshire workshop fed into the final design of the replicable workshop methodology.4

The questions on the feedback form asked participants what their expectations were for the day, how useful they had found each section of the workshop to be and any additional comments they may have had (see section 5.4). They were also asked whom else they thought might benefit from the workshop.

4 The full findings from both workshops can be found in the summary and conclusions.

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4.0 THE WORKBOOKHaving identified the stakeholders around biomass power plant planning applications and the issues and concerns of the stakeholders, a workshop methodology was compiled. One of the objectives of the project was to make the workshop programme replicable throughout the UK. The ‘How To’ Manual shown in Annex One5 was produced to facilitate the replication of the workshop. An integral part of the ‘How To’ Manual is the Workbook which was presented to participants at the pilot workshops to inform and guide them through the workshop day.

The Workbook is designed to provide planners and other stakeholders with background information and discussion topics when preparing for biomass power plant applications. The workbook and ‘How To’ Manual can be used as:

(i.) A guide to help identify planning and stakeholder issues and concerns around biomass power plant planning applications;

(ii.) A tool to be used in regional or local workshops to inform planners and other stakeholders of the wider issues associated with planning applications for biomass power plants.

The workbook was designed to provide background information and detail on biomass in general and specifically biomass power generation. The information provided was current at the point in time when the workshops were held and was designed to be updated as and when details change. The background in the first part of the project identified stakeholder needs as being:

• An Introduction to Biomass Power Plants;• National Policy and support for Biomass;• Impacts of Biomass Power Generation;• An Introduction to Biomass Energy Crops;• Details of Current Biomass Schemes, Planned and Operating in

the UK; and• Sources of information and expertise.

In order to draw out the stakeholder issues and concerns and develop an insight into future biomass power plant applications, presentations were offered from a planner, NGO and proponent perspectives, followed by group work on a biomass case study. The workbook’s content included case studies and discussion topics to enable the different stakeholders to address the issues from different perspectives.

5 The ‘How To’ Manual provides the workshop methodology for this type of workshop with guidance on the format and content.

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The workbook also included:

• An agenda for the workshop day;• Material provided by expert speakers in the field of biomass;• A hypothetical case study of a biomass power plant application;

and• An evaluation of the workshop.

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5.0 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONSFrom the first two phases of the project it was possible to conclude that there were several overarching issues that would need to be taken into consideration in the design of the workshop methodology. These issues were also clearly identified as significant to the participants, as the findings from the workshops show.

5.1 Stakeholder issues and concernsPerhaps not surprisingly, the issues and concerns relating to biomass as a form of energy production cover a number of different areas. Issues are often influenced, not only by the knowledge and information needs of different stakeholder groups, but also their role in the process, e.g. planner or community. This often leads to misperceptions, or even a fundamental gap, in their ability to work together in an effective and informed manner.

In order to highlight some of the fundamental stakeholder issues and concerns when looking at an application of this type, the case study of the Newbridge- on-Wye planning application was reviewed. Obviously many of the concerns associated with biomass power plant planning are site specific and will therefore differ between each planning application. However there are some key generic issues that consistently arise in response to such applications.

Issues and concerns can be deep rooted, whether site specific or generic and are capable of halting a planning application. However many issues and concerns often arise from a vacuum of information about the site and associated impacts. Stakeholders need to have the opportunity to understand the application and how it will fit within the local community in order to make informed views about the site.

5.2 Key Issues and Concerns from StakeholdersThe analysis of the secondary material, the review of the Newbridge-on-Wye case study and the interviews with the key stakeholders in our sample survey, clearly indicated that there were three key issues that strongly influenced the planning process. (A full copy of the interview results can be found in Appendix A) While it could be said that these issues were common to some degree in many different types of planning applications, they came together in applications for biomass facilities in an interesting and dynamic way.

The three issues were:

• Typical local ‘Not in my back yard’ (NIMBY) reactions;• Distrust and misunderstanding of the intent of the developer;• Lack of understanding of biomass in the UK and biomass power

production processes.

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5.2.1 Typical local ‘Not in my back yard’ NIMBY reactions

An adverse local reaction to the plans or the (NIMBY) syndrome of local residents around the proposed site, was believed to be key by both planners and proponents. In biomass applications this was strongly influenced by such factors as location, transportation concerns, geography, land use and previous history of the site or previous planning issues. It is also important to note that there is still little knowledge or understanding of biomass technologies, thus residents often fear the unknown and project the impacts of other, very different, technologies on to the biomass application.

5.2.2 Distrust and misunderstanding of the intent of the developer

While mistrust of plant proponents is a normal part of planning reality, there was an interesting, additional issue for biomass projects. Both planners and developers felt there was a common perception by local residents that approval of a specific facility might lead to its use for other means. For example, local residents feel that developers may ‘sell out’ to processing other products if the biomass process is not found to be viable. There was also some lack of trust among planners that developers sometimes made overly optimistic assumptions about their plants, or inappropriate assumptions about the success that could be gained through an offer of financial support or planning gain.

5.2.3 Lack of understanding of biomass in the UK and biomass powerproduction processes

Given the early stage in the development of biomass applications in the UK it was perhaps not surprising that many planners have never encountered a biomass application. There was often a steep learning curve required around the technology, the issues, and the role that biomass could play in achieving national targets. Therefore it was felt that planners often ‘played safe’ until further knowledge and experience could be gained. It was also felt that the reactions from local politicians were influenced by their perception of what their constituents might fear regarding this technology.

5.3 Workshop ObservationsThe responses to the initial interviews to identify stakeholder issues around biomass showed that there was a significant level of interest from all of the stakeholder groups, regardless of the level of biomass experience. This is particularly encouraging given the emerging nature of the biomass industry.

Participants at the two workshops, with the use of the information provided and diversity of views available produced some excellent feedback around why applications might run into difficulties and practical ways in which these could be overcome.

Some important observations can be drawn from the two workshops:

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• A majority of participants came to the workshop with little knowledge of biomass energy.

• Planning participants in the East Midlands, at the Nottinghamshire workshop, had a higher degree of knowledge about the range of potential biomass applications and were generally optimistic that planning permission would be given in their jurisdictions, providing the applicant did the necessary groundwork in preparing the application.

• Planning participants from the south of England, in the Hampshire workshop, came to the workshop with a high level of interest in the potential of biomass, but little direct knowledge. They left the workshop concluding that the road towards obtaining planning approval in their jurisdictions would be long and hard. Even if the proponent took all of the necessary steps in building support and understanding for the application, the nature of the region and the importance placed through planning policy on conserving the land use would still prove to be a significant barrier.

• NGO and community participants entered the workshop philosophically supporting the idea of energy from biomass, but indicating concern with many broader issues relating to siting, land use, habitat protection and enhancement, and transportation impacts.

• The expectation was that biomass proponents would make a sizeable investment in terms of environmental impact assessment, community and NGO dialogue, materials and communications similar to that found in other industrial applications. However, few participants understood that this is still a young, and relatively under funded industry, without the capacity to embark on high visibility and extensive community outreach campaigns.

• The conclusion from both of the workshops was that obtaining planning approval would require a much larger range of stakeholders than simply planning officials to become more knowledgeable and informed. Key targets included local Members, NGO’s, community groups and influential individuals.

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5.4 Stakeholder Needs and ChallengesThe feedback from the workshop groups produced some specific needs and challenges, which were outlined for each of the stakeholder groups identified below:

5.4.1 Government6

• Concern that a successful biomass energy strategy may have to be more aggressively promoted with planners and other local decision-makers.

• Concern that the present approach to setting regional targets does not provide the necessary time for an effective response.

• Concern that the number of different Government departments involved in biomass promotion is yet another example of the gaps that exist in terms of ‘joined up Government thinking’.

5.4.2 Developers

• Must recognise the importance of putting an application into local context. For example a fit with Local Agenda 21 sustainable development objectives or the Land Use Plan etc.

• There is a need to communicate and consult with planners, statutory consultees and local residents early on in the application process.

• Strongly consider producing an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), whether it is required or not, to provide stakeholders with information on the actual impacts of the proposal.

• Developer justification of the site and technology will be needed to increase trust and assure stakeholders that the best possible option is being utilised.

5.4.3 Planners

• More proactive support for biomass well in advance of any application being received (through integration into the Structure Plan, Local Plan and Planning Policy Guidance (PPG’s), material provided to local Members and the community to build support for the potential for future biomass development).

6 The Hampshire workshop offered a slightly wider diversity of viewpoints. This was supported by the presence of a DETR representative at the workshop which resulted in this group looking at many of the issues from a top down perspective.

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• Proactively work with the developer to ensure that sufficient information is provided.

• Increased understanding of the importance of progressing biomass energy applications from both a National and Regional perspective.

5.4.4 NGO’s

• Early consultation with NGO’s to increase understanding around the application and allow the developer to respond to objections that may arise.

• More work to be done at the national and regional level to build understanding of biomass. Identify, with more clarity, whether there is ‘support in principle’ for the use of energy crops and provide some guidance on the trade-offs that will have to be considered in terms of biodiversity etc.

5.4.5 Community

• Increased awareness of the benefits of New and Renewable Energy including economic development and biodiversity.

• NIMBY syndrome will always be present but early consultation can go some way to building understanding of what is proposed and decreasing the strength of opposition.

A more informed and proactive approach to biomass as a source of renewable energy by all stakeholders and consideration given to the views of other stakeholders in a biomass development emerged as the key message evolving from the workshops. This meets the original aims of the workshop methodology.

5.5 Participants Feedback of the WorkshopMethodologyThe feedback sheets supplied to each of the workshop participants at the end of the day offered very valuable feedback and played a key role in shaping the final workshop methodology.

5.5.1 Participant Expectations

Participants were asked to indicate their expectations of the workshop day. These can be broken down into information needs within three key areas. The three areas related to the planning process; biomass crops and power production; and, associated issues of biomass power plants.

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The key areas of need within the planning process were:• To gain a better knowledge and understanding of the planning

process;• To learn about the reasons why a planning application may be

rejected;• To gain a better understanding of the issues and planning

concerns involved around a biomass application;• To inform the planning system to support renewable energy

generation.The stakeholders who identified their needs as being around the planning process were largely: Developers and NGO’s.

The key areas of need around biomass crops and power production were:• To gain more information and understanding about biomass

technologies;• To learn more about the process;• To understand the special requirements of biomass power plant

projects.The stakeholders who identified their needs as being around biomass crops and power production were largely: Planners, NGO’s and the Community.

The key areas of need around the associated issues of biomass power plants were:

• To gain a better understanding of the issues associated with biomass power plants;

• To learn more about the economics;• To gain a clearer understanding of the various issues, possible

solutions and alternatives;• To examine the perceived and real barriers to biomass power

plants.The stakeholders who identified their needs as being around the associated issues of biomass power plants were largely: Planners,NGO’s and Other.

When participants at both workshops were asked whether the workshop had met their expectations, 90% felt the workshop had been better than expected or as expected. The remainder felt that it had met their expectations less than expected. No participants felt that the workshop had not at all met their expectations.

The feedback forms asked workshop participants to evaluate each section of the workshop day against how useful it was to them. Participants were asked to evaluate against their expectations of each section by indicating one of the following: very useful, somewhat useful, not very useful and needs rethinking. Each question also had space available for comments and many of the participants chose to use it.

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5.5.2 Workshop Development

The feedback forms from the Nottinghamshire workshop identified some key changes that needed to be considered in the development of the workshop methodology:

• The purpose of each section in the workbook needs to be clearly set out to enable participants to have a constant reference as to what they are trying to achieve.

• A number of participants felt that there should be a representative from DETR or DTI to speak from a Central Government perspective.

• An explanation about the changes in the funding of biomass from NFFO to the new Renewables Obligation. Participants felt it would be useful for a representative from Central Government to do this.

• The questions which participants were asked to address when working on the case study were felt to be too broad. Participants felt they needed to have further context and be more specific.

• The second case study, which was used in the Nottinghamshire workshop, was felt to need rethinking as the purpose of this section was not specific enough.

In putting together the format of the Hampshire workshop the feedback from the Nottinghamshire workshop was taken into account through the case study, presentations and background information. The main areas of the format which required developing were:

• The structure of the workbook was amended to show a clear purpose for each section of the day.

• A DETR representative was identified to talk around the planning policy aspects of renewables and the future plans from Central Government.

• A fact sheet was provided on the funding mechanisms for biomass fuel production.

• The questions around the case study were amended to become more focused to the various needs and the context was set around each question.

• The second case study was omitted and a new section called ‘ Stakeholder Views of Biomass Plants’ used. This section asked participants to identify the key issues for each of the

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stakeholders from Central Government through to the local resident.

The feedback from the Hampshire workshop indicated that there were some further areas which could be developed to provide a more useful workshop tool:

• The presence of a representative from Central Government allowed participants to gain an insight into the Governments perspective and provided an opportunity to ask questions on a variety of related subjects.

• When participants have limited experience the small groups may be more effective if each is facilitated to encourage meaningful dialogue.

• Biomass needs to be put in context against other renewable energies and energy efficiency to aid understanding.

• Participants felt that each workshop held would be different and therefore in order to provide effective reporting back sessions, participants should be asked whether they are happy to report to the full group or whether they would rather work in smaller groups.

5.5.3 General Points for Replicating the Workshop

Participants at the pilot workshops also offered some useful feedback and recommendations about the workshop day itself. They felt that there were some key points to bear in mind when replicating the workshop in the future to increase the value to participants. The general themes provided in the feedback can be summarised into three categories: participants, information and format of the day. The key points include:

Participants• For this type of regional workshop the contribution of Central

Government was considered by participants and Government representatives to provide helpful insight into the Government policy implications of biomass;

• A public perspective on biomass issues is important. Although most of the public are not familiar with biomass, an experienced local Councillor can often provide realistic feedback;

• The diversity of participants in the workshop, with a range of biomass planning application experience, was felt to broaden the discussion in a useful way; and

• Both Development Control Officers from Local Authorities and Policy Officers are important to include in the workshop, bringing together direct and conceptual experiences of the planning process.

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Information• More information into the economic issues would be useful;• More information on the legal grounds for refusing an

application;• More information on good practice in planning [in relation to

the grounds in law for accepting or refusing an application]; and• More information on the landscape impacts under various

scenarios.

Structure of the day• The workshop size of 20-25 participants was felt to be optimal.

Large enough for a range of views, small enough to focus discussion; and

• Participants needed to be ready for a long and information packed day.

Following the two pilot workshops the learning experiences gained have been taken and used to develop a ‘How To’ Manual and Workbook to act as a guide for an individual or organisation wanting to replicate the workshop. The Workbook offers a guide to the material, which is necessary to inform and stimulate discussion for participants in the workshop. A full copy of the ‘How To’ Manual and Workbook are held in Annex One. However, it must be noted that the biomass industry in the UK is rapidly developing and therefore developments in the technology and information available must be expected. For example, the DTI is moving away from the Non Fossil Fuel Obligation (NFFO) arrangements to a more market-based approach through the Renewables Obligation (RO). The primary legislation for the RO was the Utilities Act 2000 that received Royal Assent in summer 2000. This will put in place a new obligation on electricity suppliers to obtain a specified proportion of their electricity from renewable sources. Consultation by DTI on the operational details of this scheme is ongoing. Therefore background information will need updating as legislation and policy develops.

Workshop organisers need to be aware that information, including the above example, will need updating and local information used where appropriate.

The Workbook is meant as a guide to aid the workshop organiser in identifying the participants, information needs and format by which the workshop can be held.

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6.0 REFERENCESAmbient Energy Ltd, 2000, Fact sheet.Arbre, 2000, www.arbre.co.uk accessed June 2000.Beale, N, Note on Biomass Energy Crops, 2000, ETSUBritish Biogen, 2000a, Bioenergy 21st Century Fuel, Trade AssociationDocument.British Biogen, 2000b, Why Wood Heat, Fact sheet.Brodie, L., and Stunell, A., 1999, Energy: Clean and Green by 2050.DTI, 1996, Good Practice Guidelines ‘Short Rotation Coppice for Energy Production.’DTI, 1999-2000, New and Renewable Energy: Prospects for the 21st Century.- DTI, March 1999, New and Renewable Energy: Prospects for the 21st

Century- DTI, July 1999, Analysis of the Responses to the Consultation Paper- DTI, January 2000, Conclusions in Response to the Public Consultation- DTI, October 2000, The Renewables Obligation - Preliminary Consultation DTI, 2000a, Biomass Products and Services from BritainDTI, 2000b, Effects of Renewable Energy: Benefits to the Local Economy (ERE WF1)DTI, 2000c, Effects of Renewable Energy: Some Frequently Asked Questions (ERE-WF2)DTI, 2000d, Wood Fuel for Electricity and Heat: Stack Emissions, Air Quality and Health (ERE-WF3)DTI, 2000e, Effects of Renewable Energy: Climate Change (ERE WF4)DTI, 2000f, New and Renewable Energy Policy, www.dti.gov.uk/renewable/index.html accessed June 2000.EC, 2000, www.cordis.lu accessed November 2000.ENDS, 2000, CHP shows best ever growth, but faces difficult market prospect, Issue 306, pg. 8.Fibrowatt, 2000, www.Fibrowatt.com/environbenf.html accessed August2000.MAFF, 2000, www.maff.gov.uk/farm/acu/acu.htm accessed June 2000.Tucker, K., and Sage, R., 1999, Integrated Pest Management in Short Rotation Coppice for energy - A Growers Guide

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7.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSThanks are due to all those who have assisted throughout this project.

The work was funded by the DTI’s New & Renewable Energy Programme (managed by ETSU). We are grateful for their support.

Thanks to those stakeholders who kindly shared their experiences and thoughts around biomass power production in the UK and those participants and presenters who gave up their time to attend the two pilot workshops held in Nottinghamshire and Hampshire.

Particular thanks must also go to Nottingham County Council and the Newark and Sherwood Energy Agency for hosting the first of the pilot workshops in particular Alan Allsopp and David Pickles. Hampshire County Council kindly hosted the second pilot workshop with particular thanks going to Roger Lawes.

There were many people involved in this work and it is not possible to thank them all. However it is hoped that this report and ‘How To’ manual will contribute to the successful development of biomass power production in the future.

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APPENDIX A - THE FINDINGS FROM PREVIOUS BIOMASS PROJECTS AND STAKEHOLDERPERCEPTIONS

CONCERNS ISSUES CONTRIBUTING TO UNSUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS ISSUES OR ACTIONS CONTRIBUTING TO SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS

All types of biomass applications face the NIMBY syndrome when specific sites are proposed.The community has no need for this kind of employment potential.

A local need for employment.This was a common theme in Ely, Fife and Corby applications.

NEEDS AND ASPIRATIONS OF THE COMMUNITY “WILL IT FIT IN?”

Concern with NGO’s opposition plays a strong role in the decision made by planners.

NGO’s show generic support for biomass as a sustainable way of producing energy.

Adverse local reactions are triggered by concern over:Plant EmissionsSiting of the plantIncreased transport

These issues are addressed and communicated ahead of time by the proponent.

Local residents and NGO’s have been mobilised previously to oppose related facilities.

Communications with local residents and NGO’s concerned with related projects.

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CONCERNS ISSUES CONTRIBUTING TO UNSUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS ISSUES OR ACTIONS CONTRIBUTING TO SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS

In some areas a lack of urgency from Local Authorities exists.Renewable technologies are not seen as being high on the agenda so are treated as such by planners.Proponents perceive some LPA as having an anti-development approach.

Inclusion of renewable energy facilities in a local plan.For example Newark and Sherwood have a site already pinpointed in their local plan for a wood burning facility.

POLITICAL

Lack of information and thus understanding of planners in:National renewable energy targets.Practical knowledge and experience in biomass technology and short rotation coppice (SRC).Regional implications of biomass.This is from both planners and developers.

When a previous biomass planning application has failed and a subsequent application is made the conditions are generally more favourable.For example Ely plant failed the first application and passed the second.

CLIMATE Un-joined up Government thinking. The availability of funding from the Non Fossil Fuel Obligation (NFFO)7,local regeneration agencies and European renewable energy funds can impact greatly on the success of an application. For example Arbre was supported by an EC THERMIE8 grant and was awarded a NFFO at extremely favourable rates

Cautious approaches by planners if inexperienced or lack confidence in their position.

Where plants are proposed in proximity to regional borders there may be issues around the location of crop growth and power plant siting.

7 NFFO’s are contracts awarded for development under the Government’s Non Fossil Fuel Obligation (NFFO), which seeks to stimulate clean energy production by guaranteeing both a price and a market for the electricity produced. NFFO has now been succeeded by the Renewables Obligation.

8 EC Thermie Grants are awarded by the European Union to encourage research and technological development activities in the field of clean and efficient energy technologies as a contribution to the security of energy supplies and to sustainable development. These grants however are only available for new innovative projects so future UK plants would not receive this support.

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CONCERNS ISSUES CONTRIBUTING TO UNSUCESSFUL APPLICATIONS ISSUES OR ACTIONS CONTRIBUTING TO SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS

The type of technology used in a biomass plant is generally not considered by local communities, a typical local reaction to wood burning is that of an open bonfire! However the technology is significant when looking at the environmental issues.Unless these misconceptions are allayed stakeholders will continue to oppose facilities.For example at Ely objections from Parish Councils were based strongly on concern regarding emissions from the plant until a site visit to a biomass facility was offered and the opposition decreased.

Planners receiving an application with as much public consultation as possible are seen in more preferential light.

STAKEHOLDERINVOLVEMENT

Mistrust of the developer by both planners and local residents/NGO’s. Suspicion of the proponent can arise around operation of the plant. For example at Newbridge rumours were circulating amongst the communities involved that Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) carcasses would be burnt at the plant at night.

Experienced planners and developers consider early involvement of stakeholders important.For example a condition of planning approval at the second application at Ely was for a residents group to be established. As soon as EPR took over the application they established a residents group with local Parish Councillors to inform them and understand their concerns. Following the approval of the application the group still meet to keep up to date on progress at the plant. This not only appeased the local communities but also the LPA.

Assumptions that farmers will be willing to engage in projects can cause problems, as frequently they will not sign an agreement until the project has financial closure.

Planners and Developers can have preconceived ideas of how the local communities will react - these may not always be accurate and can lead to an increase in public opposition.

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CONCERNS ISSUES CONTRIBUTING TO UNSUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS ISSUES OR ACTIONS CONTRIBUTING TO SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS

POSITIONINGOF THE APPLICATION

Planners in general experience a steep learning curve when assessing a biomass planning application. A lack of clear technical support for the application can delay the decision making process. This can occur due to the lack of guidance available to both planners and proponents in the positioning of applications.

The remit of consideration for planners is around the power plant and associated impacts and not the production of the fuel source. However additional information is beneficial, as in the case of Ambient Energy Ltd, where information on crops was requested by the planner and supplied despite this being outside the remit of the LPA.

An overly slick approach in presenting an application has not always proved successful. Planners are concerned when developers focus solely on the technological implications of the plant rather than a broader context.

Pre-application enquiries to LPA are encouraged by some Authorities to avoid wasting time and money of both planners and proponents if an application is not appropriate.

Planners can be seriously affronted by offers of planning gain from a developer. This was experienced at Newbridge.

Developers negotiate an appropriate form of compensatory facilities to the local communities (planning gain).

INFRASTRUCTURE

If the application does not fit in with local infrastructure it will fail by simply not meeting the planning criteria.For example the site has to have ready access to the fuel. With SRC this often means rural locations such as Ely.

Sites of current/previous power generation provide good infrastructure with links to the National Grid and Road/Rail Networks. The application approved in Peterborough was a site located next to the main Peterborough Power Station.

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CONCERNS ISSUES CONTRIBUTING TO UNSUCESSFUL APPLICATIONS

ISSUES OR ACTIONS CONTRIBUTING TO SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS

SITE GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

If the application does not fit the local surroundings to a satisfactory standard the site will fail. In the case of Ely following the decrease in opposition to emissions the local Parishes had the first application refused on issues regarding landscaping.

Sites of previous or current power generation are considered suitable sites for biomass plants to fit into with respect to visual impacts as seen in the case of Peterborough.

Issues of importance to NGO’s which could cause opposition:■ Large areas of SRC producing monocultures should be

avoided.■ Crops should not be planted in proximity to delicate

ecosystems such as areas of low nutrient soils.■ Design and management of the crop is crucial for wildlife and

bird habitats to benefit.■ Archaeology and soil structure can be disrupted by the root

structure of biomass crops.■ Site located within area of high landscape value.

NGO’s welcome biomass as long as the associated impacts of locating the power plant and producing the crops are managed/minimised.Some examples include:English Nature - broadly support biomass.Game Conservancy Trust - Supports biomass for it’s positive contribution to biodiversity and the benefits to wildlife.Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) - Strongly in favour of biomass and benefits to climate change.However not all have experience of biomass applications.

NGO’s assess plant location on a site-specific basis.

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ANNEX ONE

’HOW TO' MANUAL - PLANNING FOR BIOMASSPOWER PLANT WORKSHOPS

'HOW TO' MANUAL'" PLANNING FOR BIOMASS POWER PLANT

WORKSHOPS"FOREWORDThe projectThis ‘How To’ Manual is the result of a DTI-funded project entitled: ‘Development and Delivery of a Workshop Methodology: “Planning for Biomass Power Plant Projects.”’

Potential difficulties with planning applications for biomass are becoming more apparent as more applications are submitted, most being granted planning permission but some failing. The failure to gain planning permission for biomass power plants has raised a number of questions amongst biomass proponents regarding the information needs of planners and other key stakeholders around these plants.

A key objective of this project was to:Produce a replicable workshop methodology to inform

planners of the key issues that may arise when a planning application is submitted for a biomass power plant.

In order to achieve this objective, this ‘How To’ Manual was produced to define a workshop methodology. This was designed to offer the potential for the workshop replication around the UK to increase awareness and understanding of the issues.

The following information in Chapters 1 to 12 presents the format and proposed structure for the ‘How To’ Manual and Workbook and guides the reader through the workshop methodology for ‘Planning for biomass power plants’. It should be noted that the material provided is not designed to be directly replicated but to act as a skeleton and guide to the structure and content of the workshop day.

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OVERVIEW OF KEY QUESTIONSWhat is biomass?In the context of this ‘How To’ Manual the term ‘biomass’ refers to renewable natural resources such as wood, grass, straw, and agricultural residues, which can be used to produce energy.

The production of energy from biomass is classified as a renewable source of energy; that is a source, which can be regenerated continuously as opposed to a source of limited supply for example coal or gas.

As a renewable source of fuel, biomass can be used to produce heat and/or electricity in applications ranging from small units supplying individual buildings through to multi-megawatt power installations (DTI, 2000a).

Why energy from biomass?• Global environmental benefitsBiomass is carbon neutral because the carbon dioxide emitted when wood fuels are converted to energy has been taken out of the atmosphere by a growing plant. (British Biogen, 2000b)

Biomass resources have the potential to contribute significantly towards the worldwide demand for an increasing level of energy supplied from renewable sources. (DTI, 2000a)

Biomass provides a long-term alternative to the use of fossil fuels for our energy needs. Reducing our dependency on finite resources. (DTI, 2000e)

• National legislationRenewable energy is one element in the UK Government's wider climate change programme. It is seen as a crucial element in the overall strategy for energy policy, which has an overarching aim of ensuring secure, diverse and sustainable supplies of energy within a competitive market framework. The renewables policy is important in helping to meet the emissions targets, stimulate the development of new technologies both within the UK and for export to overseas markets. It also contributes to employment through the employment opportunities within the market and to rural development, particularly when considering energy from biomass.

The Government has major targets of producing 10% of electricity generation from renewables, and achieving 20% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, both by 2010; it is expected that biomass will play a key role in achieving these targets. The DTI launched a series of consultations on ‘New and Renewable Energy: Prospects for the 21st Century’ in March 1999. This initially aimed to seek and analyse views on the kind of support mechanisms required to promote the development of renewables in the UK. Following analysis of the responses to the initial consultation, the DTI published a policy framework document in January 2000. This summarised the key elements of the policy and prior to full consultation, provided some guidance on the operation of the Renewables Obligation. Key elements include:

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• A move away from the Non Fossil Fuel Obligation (NFFO) to a more market-based approach through the Renewables Obligation. This will be an Obligation on electricity suppliers to supply a specified proportion of electricity from renewable sources;

• The Government Climate Change Levy is an environmental tax and was introduced in March 2000. It is intended to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by taxing businesses that use fossil fuels and electricity. Renewables are exempt from this levy;

• The Government is committed to expanding its supporting programme for renewables including research, development, demonstration and dissemination;

• The Government will be developing a regional approach to planning for renewables.

What are some of the issues for biomass developmentin the UK?There are relatively few mid to large scale biomass power plants established in the UK. None of those established use wood as the fuel. Therefore there are few working examples from which the biomass industry can be developed.

Many Local Planning Authorities have no experience of biomass power plant applications. However with the proposed regional renewable energy targets, an increase in applications is imminent.

There have been cases where applications for planning permission of biomass power plants have been refused and concern/interest exists around the opposition to such proposals.

Key issues causing difficulty for biomass power plant applications include an adverse local reaction to power plant plans, distrust and misunderstanding of the intent of the developer and lack of understanding of biomass in the UK and biomass power production processes.

How can the obstacles to biomass development in theUK be combated?

• Increasing awareness and familiarity of biomass power production to all stakeholders.

• Understanding stakeholder needs and their issues and concerns around a biomass power plant planning application.

• Dissemination of information to all stakeholders.

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How can biomass energy move forward locally?One tool that has been explored in this ‘How To’ Manual and Workbook is using a proven workshop methodology to identify and involve planners and key stakeholders in dialogue around biomass power plants. The workshop format involves providing information, group exercises and areas for discussion to encourage planners and stakeholders to consider the issues related to biomass power plants from a variety of perspectives.

This ‘How To’ Manual sets the background to the DTI-funded project and provides a guide to implementing such a workshop.

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CONTENTS

FOREWORD iOVERVIEW OF KEY QUESTIONS ii

1.0 BACKGROUND TO THE PROJECT.........................................11.1 Project purpose..........................................................................................................11.2 Findings from the first stages of the project.......................................................21.3 Pilot Workshops..............................................................................................................2

2.0 THE 'HOW TO' MANUAL................................................ 43.0 IDENTIFYING THE NEED FOR A WORKSHOP........................... 64.0 WORKSHOP FORMAT..................................................... 7

4.1 Targeting the information at the appropriate level...................................... 74.2 Workshop Content..........................................................................................................74.3 Facilitation of the Workshop..................................................................................... 84.4 Format of the Workbook.............................................................................................. 8

5.0 PARTICIPANTS......................................................... 95.1 Planners............................................................................................................................. 95.2 Developers.......................................................................................................................105.3 Non Governmental Organisations..........................................................................105.4 Community Groups and Local Residents.............................................................. 105.5 Others.............................................................................................................................. 115.6 Pilot Workshop Participants.....................................................................................12

6.0 THE WORKSHOP PROGRAMME.......................................... 137.0 SPEAKERS AT THE WORKSHOP........................................ 16

7.1 Speakers at the two pilot workshops................................................................. 168.0 WORKBOOK MATERIALS................................................ 18FACT SHEET ONE......................................................... 20FACT SHEET TWO......................................................... 23FACT SHEET THREE...................................................... 27FACT SHEET FOUR........................................................ 31FACT SHEET FIVE........................................................ 339.0 THE CASE STUDY.................................................... 40

9.1 Case Study used at the Pilot Workshops.............................................................. 419.2 Case Study of Barsetshire........................................................................................ 419.3 Case Study Questions used in Pilot Workshops................................................. 47

10.0 .................................................. STAKEHOLDER VIEWS49

10.1 Method One...............................................................................................................4910.2 Method Two...............................................................................................................4910.3 Feedback sheets used in the Pilot Workshops............................................... 50

11.0 ...........................................EVALUATING THE WORKSHOP51

11.1 Evaluation used in the Pilot Workshops................................................................ 5212.0 .........................................................THE FEEDBACK

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1.0 BACKGROUND TO THE PROJECTThis ‘How To’ Manual is the result of a contract carried out by PDA International and Barton Willmore Planning for the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI’s) New & Renewable Energy Programme (managed by ETSU) entitled:

Development and Delivery of a Workshop Methodology:‘Planning for biomass power plant projects’

The project was prompted by early indications that some energy from biomass applications were facing unanticipated problems in gaining planning approval. This raised questions from biomass developers and the trade association (British Biogen) as to why renewable energy facilities strongly supported by Central Government, were being refused planning permission by Local Planning Authorities.

1.1 Project purposeThe purpose of this project was to identify the stakeholders and their issues and concerns around biomass power plant planning applications.

in order to meet European and uK Government targets for renewable energy, the future will bring an increasing number of applications and a need for those applications to be successful.

Following discussions at the DTI’s Environmental Liaison Group, it was proposed that a feedback mechanism was desirable to enable stakeholders to voice their issues and concerns around biomass power plants. in order to produce this feedback a workshop methodology was designed with a view to being replicable to allow it to be implemented elsewhere around the country.

This ‘How To’ Manual is the result of several key steps taken to scope out the scene for biomass power plant applications in the UK. The steps were:

i. An evaluation of written material, includingbackground material, produced in support of planning applications for biomass energy products;

ii. one on one interviews with stakeholders around biomass power plant applications;

III. Two pilot workshops held in Nottinghamshire and Hampshire; and

IV. Preparation of a final report and ‘How To’ Manual for planners.

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1.2 Findings from the first stages of the projectThe completion of the first two steps provided a fuller understanding of the stakeholder issues and concerns around biomass power plant planning. These issues could lead to opposition to, or refusal of, planning permission. A list of the issues can be found in Appendix A of the project report (ETSU B/U1/00649/REP).

The stakeholder issues can be summarised into three key points:

I. Typical local ‘Not In My Back Yard’ (NIMBY) reactions which are strongly influenced by local conditions and previous history of the site or planning issues;

ii. Distrust and misunderstanding of the intent of the developer;

iii. Lack of understanding of biomass in the uK and biomass power production processes. A steep learning curve is required by planners who have often played safe until further knowledge and experience is gained.

These issues are probably well recognised by all biomass stakeholders, but often misunderstood. The next stage of the project, two pilot workshops, aimed to explore these issues in more depth with the different stakeholders.

1.3 Pilot WorkshopsA workshop methodology was designed, based on the feedback from the initial scoping exercises and was then further developed and explored through two pilot workshops.

The aim of the pilot workshops was:

‘To provide a discussion forum to address the key issues and further identify key stakeholder needs around biomass power

plant planning.’

The workshops involved a wide range of interested stakeholders in exploring the issues and identifying the information needs of key stakeholders: Planners, Developers, Community Leaders and Non Governmental Organisations (NGO’s) in biomass power plant planning.

The pilot workshops were held in Nottinghamshire in September 2000 and in Hampshire in october 2000. Both workshops brought together stakeholders in biomass power plant planning with varying degrees of experience and knowledge of biomass power plant planning applications.

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The workshops commenced with a series of introductory presentations to set the scene and provide background and context around biomass power plant planning in the UK. The participants were asked to consider and discuss biomass power plants from their own and other stakeholder perspectives using a hypothetical case study of a biomass power plant planning application.

Feedback from these discussions provided a valuable insight into a wide range of technical, environmental and social issues relating to the implementation of a biomass power plant. Specific challenges emerged from the feedback for each of the stakeholder groups, to increase the likelihood of an appropriate biomass power plant application being approved.

Three key messages evolved from the workshops:

• That a more informed and proactive approach to biomass power plant applications was necessary;

• Consideration of the stakeholders information needs in a biomass development were necessary; and

• General education and awareness raising of the importance of renewable energy and the issues, including biomass, was required.

All of the feedback that was gathered from the pilot workshops about both the process and the content of the workshop day, have been fed into this ‘How To’ Manual.

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2.0 THE 'HOW TO' MANUALThe ‘How To’ Manual offers a guide to running an effective workshop to inform stakeholders of the key issues and concerns around biomass power plant planning. Within the workshop a Workbook is used to provide a structure and format for the day and to assist the workshop participants in addressing the key stakeholder concerns.

The ‘How To’ Manual is designed around a one-day workshop. The purpose:

‘To inform stakeholders, build awareness and identify the key issues from all stakeholder groups around biomass power

plant applications in the UK.’

The ‘How To’ Manual offers a methodological guide to structuring similar workshops elsewhere in the uK by providing information on:

• Setting the scene for biomass in the UK;• Identifying the complexity of issues existing around biomass

applications;• Identifying stakeholders and therefore participants for the

workshop;• identifying speakers;• identifying current information; and• Structuring the day.

Following the steps in this ‘How To’ Manual by no means guarantees a successful workshop. However the ‘How To’ Manual does aim to highlight the key considerations for the organiser when running a stakeholder workshop, thereby improving the likelihood of a successful workshop and informing workshop participants. The material provided in the ‘How To’ Manual is not designed to be directly replicated but to act as a skeleton and guide to the structure and content of the workshop day9.

Figure 1 overleaf shows the format of the ‘How To’ Manual and an overview to guide the reader through the workshop methodology for ‘Planning for biomass power plants’.

9 The material, which is offered in the workbook, is that which is published information at the time of the workshops in autumn 2000.

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NEED FOR A WORKSHOP

Scale of plant - e.g.CHP/heat/electricityRegional / Local

BACKGROUNDLocal experience or knowledge

Localstakeholders

Workshopparticipants RECRUITMENT Speakers

WorkshopProgramme

^ WorkshopFacilitator

WORKSHOP DAY^Workbook

WorkshopMaterials

WORKSHOPEVALUATION

STAKEHOLDER ISSUES ON

PLANNING FOR BIOMASS POWERFigure 1: Format of

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3.0 IDENTIFYING THE NEED FOR A WORKSHOPBefore embarking on the implementation of this workshop it is necessary to identify a need for informing stakeholders of the key issues and concerns around biomass power plant planning.

The need for this type of workshop may be initiated by the submission of a planning application for a biomass power plant or driven by the increase in demand for renewable energy production. The design of the workshop allows it to be tailored to fit the specific requirements of the stakeholders involved.

Once the need for an awareness raising workshop has been identified the organiser needs to address whether the need is regional or local. This then enables potential workshop participants to be identified and a workshop format to be designed. The remainder of this ‘How To’ Manual describes a guide to the organisation of a workshop.

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4.0 WORKSHOP FORMATThe format of the workshop is important. There are some key elements to carrying out an effective workshop:

I. The information provided should be targeted to the needs of the attending audience;

II. The content for each part of the day should follow in a logical and constructive manner;

III. Facilitation on the day ensures the best use of discussion sessions; and

IV. To underpin the workshop a Workbook provided to participants, needs to be clearly set out to guide the participants with ease through each section of the day.

4.1 Targeting the information at the appropriatelevelThe diversity of stakeholders associated with biomass power plant applications will result in participants with varying levels of knowledge around biomass planning. It is therefore necessary that the information presented in advance of the meeting and at the start of the day, aims to provide all participants with a common, albeit basic, level of understanding of biomass projects. The information should also be presented in a readable and understandable format.

4.2 Workshop ContentThe format of the day needs to set the scene for biomass in the UK, set the local context, examine the stakeholder concerns around the application (mythical or real) and then highlight the key issues and concerns for each stakeholder group.

The workshop begins with presentations to the full group and the opportunity for facilitated questions and comments. The question and answer session allows specific content of the presentations to be explored in more detail, thereby being more effective in meeting participants needs. In-depth exploration of the issues is then provided through two working group sessions, followed by a reporting back session to the full plenary.

It is recommended that participants in the small working groups be divided into groups of five to seven participants. Each group should include a mix of stakeholders to encourage exploration and discussion of the issues from different perspectives. The groups may nominate a spokesperson to record the issues and feed back to the full group.

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4.3 Facilitation of the WorkshopIt is recommended that the workshop be chaired or facilitated by someone carrying the responsibility for the process and workshop effectiveness. A facilitator makes the best use of discussion sessions and manages the question and answer sessions in a constructive manner. A facilitator, internal or external to the organising body, can be used.

The key attributes in the choice of facilitator would be facilitation knowledge and experience, ability to act with independence and the ability to maintain an arms length relationship from the content of the discussion and the planning framework.

4.4 Format of the WorkbookClear distinction needs to be made between each section of the workshop day to ensure that all participants are clear about the outcomes of each section. The Workbook plays a key role in this and dividers within the Workbook will assist in directing participants throughout the workshop.

It is useful for the Workbook to have the facility to store additional material such as presentation handouts from the workshop and press cuttings or information gathered during or after the workshop. For example, the Workbooks used at the pilot presentation were divided into Tabs A - I, presented in a ring bound folder to enable participants to add information as they wished.

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5.0 PARTICIPANTSIn order to highlight the different perspectives around biomass, it is necessary to bring the range of stakeholders together in the workshop. A balance of workshop participants is necessary to achieve dialogue around the diversity of views and interests. The group should include a mix of participants from the five key stakeholder categories:

• Planners;• Developers;• Non Governmental Organisations (NGO’s);• Community / residents groups; and• Others (includes for example, the Environment Agency,

Government Bodies and the Electricity Industry)

The recommended number of participants is 24; a group that is larger than this has difficulty in expressing and discussing the full diversity of views in a full plenary group, a much smaller group will not offer the diversity of views from the range of biomass stakeholders. Figure 2 shows the balance of participants used for the pilot workshops.

Planners

□ Developers

□ NGOs

0 Community/ Residents

■ Others

Figure 2: Suggested balance of participants

The workshop is aimed at informing planners, with this in mind a greater number of planners were invited to participate in the process. This was found to be beneficial at the pilot workshops. The full list of stakeholders represented at each of the pilot workshops is contained in Section 5.6.

5.1 PlannersThe experience and feedback gained from the pilot workshops suggested that both Policy planners and Development Control planners would benefit from the workshop day.

A balance of planning representatives from both of these backgrounds would be of most benefit, bringing the perspective of planners who deal directly with applications and that of planners who are involved in setting Local Authority policy.

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The pilot workshops aimed to achieve a balance of planners with experience in biomass power plant planning and those without. Due to the limited number of biomass planning applications that have been received in the UK, there was some difficulty in recruiting planners with direct experience of biomass applications. However with more biomass schemes planned for the future the number of planners with direct experience will increase.

It should be noted that within the pilot workshops participants with direct experience of planning for biomass were recruited from all the stakeholder groups. This provided a useful insight into the realities of biomass power plant planning applications.

5.2 DevelopersThere are several developers across the UK, focusing on biomass power plants of various scales, which may be interested in sharing issues and concerns with other stakeholders.

A full list of biomass developers can be obtained from the trade association for the UK bioenergy industry, British Biogen.

Large engineering and environmental consultancy firms and smaller more specific consultancy firms may have experience or interest in the development of biomass power plants. These consultancies can often offer the perspective of developers or planners having had substantial experience of the issues through research or consultancy work for biomass developers.

5.3 Non Governmental OrganisationsThe Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) stakeholder category envelops a diverse range of organisations including national and local environmental and conservation groups. It is important to identify those organisations that would take an active interest in the development of an energy facility, either from a national or local perspective. National representatives of these organisations can be used to identify Local representatives.

Statutory consultees play a key role in biomass power plant planning. Statutory organisations are those organisations that have to be consulted on the planning application by law. This sector of stakeholders proved to be very interested and enthusiastic at both pilot workshops and have good National and Local networks from which to resource participants.

5.4 Community Groups and Local ResidentsOften the groups who feel most impacted by a new development are the Local community and residents within close proximity to the site. Engaging members of the public who are representing their own and their community’s wellbeing has proven vital in past planning applications for biomass power plants.

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The pilot workshops involved discussing hypothetical case studies, with real Local and National issues identified through the first stages of the project. As a specific site was not being proposed, recruiting local residents was difficult. However community awareness of the wider benefits of renewable energy is an important issue. When holding this type of workshop it will be easier to reach key residents groups in an area facing a biomass application to participate in a workshop.

Identification of active community/residents groups can be done through local sources. For example contact with Local Agenda 21 (LA21) Officers and the local Community Volunteer Services (CVS).

5.5 OthersThe category ‘others’ has been used to describe Government, Regulatory Authorities, Electricity Companies, farmers and other interested individuals who do not fit into the other stakeholder categories. The benefits of Government participants (for example: MAFF, DTI, DETR) attending the workshop are twofold. Central Government can provide input into the workshop beyond that of local or regional interests whilst the discussions at the workshop inform Central Government of the problems faced by planners and developers locally.

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5.6 Pilot Workshop ParticipantsStakeholder participants for the two pilot workshops included representatives from:

PLANNERS

Nottingham County Council Nottingham County Council Newark and Sherwood District CouncilDerbyshire County Council East Lindsey District Council Leicester City Council Hampshire County Council Hampshire County Council Eastleigh Borough Council Kennet Borough Council Hart District Council Winchester City Council West Sussex County Council West Sussex County Council East Sussex County Council

PROPONENTSFirst Renewables EnvironGWM Associates Terence O’Rourke EnvirosAspinwalls Border BiofuelsBritish Biogen - Trade Association Chris Day Associates Edward Stenhouse Associates

NGO'sFriends of the Earth CPREGame Conservancy TrustFarming and Rural ConservationAgencyNational Farmers Union

LOCAL PERSPECTIVEWinchester Landscape Conservation Alliance

OTHERDETRMAFFScottish and Southern EnergyEnvironment AgencyCountryside AgencyForestry CommissionNewark and Sherwood EnergyAgency

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6.0 THE WORKSHOP PROGRAMMEThe workshop programme is that which was used for the pilot workshops. Its aim is to offer a picture of what the workshop day could look like. For each part of the workshop the desired outcomes are indicated to guide the workshop organiser as to the anticipated outputs for each section. Where appropriate, sources of speakers and the Workbook material that can be used to set the background and the context for the session, have been suggested

9.00 am Introduction to Workshop

DesiredOutcomes:

To understand the purpose of the workshop day.To be comfortable with the outline of the day, the format and the agenda.

Possiblespeaker/s:

Workshop organiser / facilitator.

Morning Government Perspective

DesiredOutcomes:

To raise awareness of National Policy for Renewable Energy (current and future).To have a basic understanding of legislation for Climate Change and Planning.To have a basic understanding of funding for Renewable Energy projects (current and future).

PossibleSpeaker/s:

DETR / DTI / MAFF / British Biogen

Questions and comments from participants to speaker.

Workbookmaterials:

National policy and support for biomass (e.g. MAFF’s ERDP).DTI Renewables Policy Framework: Climate Change Levy,Renewables Obligation,Future funding plans (summarised in Section 8, Fact Sheet Two)

Morning Introduction to Biomass Projects

DesiredOutcomes:

To Set the scene around the kinds of biomass projects that are already in place in the UK.To identify what is likely to lie ahead for renewables in the UK and within the region/area that the workshop is based?

Possiblespeaker/s:

National / Regional / Local representative with expertise in the biomass industry from an Energy Agency, Academia, Research perspective.

Questions and comments from participants.

Workbookmaterials:

An Introduction to Biomass Power Plants (see Section 8, Fact Sheet One)Impacts of Biomass Power Generation (see Section 8, Fact SheetThree)Biomass Energy Crops (see Section 8, Fact Sheet Four)Details of current biomass schemes, planned and operating in the UK (see Section 8, Fact Sheet Five)

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Morning Planning Experience with Biomass Projects

DesiredOutcomes:

To have a basic understanding of a typical biomass planning application, what it consists of and why they can go wrong.To understand the basic structure of the planning process.To understand how the renewable energy industry fits in to the planning process.To understand how other stakeholders fit in to the planning process (Developers / NGO’s / Residents).To have a basic understanding of whom the community stakeholders are, what their concerns are, why they can oppose new facilities and how opposition can be alleviated.

Possiblespeaker/s:

Representative with experience of planning of biomass power plant applications (Planner / Planning consultants)Representative with experience in community stakeholder dialogue

Questions and comments from participants

Workbookmaterials:

A typical planning application outline ( request from local planningdepartment)Issues raised by the scoping analysis (see project report Appendix A)

Morning Break

Morning Case Study Workshops - Group Work

DesiredOutcomes:

To encourage participants to consider:Why an application might failDifferent stakeholders input to an applicationThe advantages/disadvantages of different fuelsHow applications might increase the likelihood of gaining planning

permission

Workbookmaterials:

Case Study of a planning application that failed (see Section 9.1)Series of questions to help participants determine the issues around the application (see Section 9.2)

1.00 - 2.00p.m.

Lunch

Afternoon Report Back

Facilitator: Facilitation of representatives from each working group in feeding back to the full group to share thoughts on the case study

Afternoon Stakeholder Views of Biomass Plants

Format: Participants work in small mixed groups to identify the five key issues for each of the stakeholder groups around the submission of a planning application. Over coffee.

Speaker/s: Planner with experience of a biomass planning applicationProponent with experience of a biomass planning application

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Afternoon Stakeholder Views - Group Work

DesiredOutcome:

To identify five key issues from each stakeholder perspective to encourage a successful planning application

Workbookmaterials:

Speaker PresentationsWork Assignments (see Section 10.1)

Afternoon Report Back

Facilitator: To discuss and summarise stakeholder views with the full group

5.00 p.m. Summary and Conclusions

DesiredOutcome:

Overview of main findings from the day and how the information gained will be used

Workbookmaterials:

Evaluation forms (see Section 11.1)

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7.0 SPEAKERS AT THE WORKSHOPIn informing workshop participants about the stakeholder issues surrounding the development of biomass as an energy source in the UK, it is important to bring to the workshop the benefit of speakers with expert knowledge. The use of external sources also promotes discussion and exploration of the issues between participants.

The workshop could involve up to six presentations from various perspectives. These presentations will help enhance participants’ awareness of the issues. Presentations could come from:

• Government/Trade Association representative;• National/Regional/Local representative with expertise in the

biomass industry from an Energy Agency, Academia, Research background;

• Planner/Consultant/Developer/Academic with experience in biomass power plant applications;

• Representative with experience in community stakeholder communication;

• Developer with experience of submitting a biomass power plant application;

• Planner with experience of receiving a biomass power plant application.

Due to the relatively small size of the biomass power industry there are limited resources in terms of suitable speakers from the industry perspective. This may impact on the catchment of the workshop; for instance it may be difficult/impossible to identify speakers for a local workshop, but a regional catchment may present more opportunity.

The two pilot workshops were held regionally and speakers were identified both from within the region and on a national scale. The majority of speakers who presented at the workshops remained to participate throughout the workshop day. This provided valuable insight to other participants from their experiences in the biomass industry.

British Biogen can supply a comprehensive list of members of the trade association. The industry also has a well-established network throughout the Country. Local Energy Agencies and Local Agenda 21 provide an excellent resource for identifying local representatives and experts in renewable energy and sustainability.

7.1 Speakers at the two pilot workshopsAs a guide for the ‘How To’ Manual the speakers who presented at the two pilot workshops and a brief resume of their presentations are included below. The list is compiled from the speakers at both the pilot workshops in Nottinghamshire and Hampshire.

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David Pickles, Newark and Sherwood Energy AgencyDavid covered a regional perspective with the key legislative targets for the future, the benefits of biomass energy and the scale and type of technologies currently used. He then went on to talk specifically about the Newark and Sherwood region and summarised the Local Sustainability Energy Strategy, introducing renewables through ‘local’ demonstration projects and key drivers for sustainability.

Keith Pitcher, First RenewablesKeith offered a developers perspective with a presentation on Project Arbre. He provided an overview of the plant and how it works, contacts with and the involvement of, the local community from an early stage. He also described the environmental benefits, how the fuel supply was made up and background on the global electricity capacity for all types of fuel.

Colin Pile, Barton Willmore PlanningColin provided a presentation on planning for biomass power plant projects. He covered the evolution of the electricity generation industry, siting of renewable energy plants, the key issues around siting and relationships between stakeholders.

Pat Delbridge and Amanda-Jane Gray, PDA InternationalPat and Amanda-Jane looked at the community stakeholder perspective, changes in public attitudes, the sceptical and sometimes negative role played by community stakeholders, the benefits of, and the key steps in, building community partnerships.

Edward Stenhouse, Edward Stenhouse AssociatesEdward provided an outline of where the biomass industry is headed nationally and in the south east of England. He offered his views on the government policy for regional renewable energy targets, the renewables obligation and responded to questions on the viability of cost and short rotation coppice.

Dil Sarkar, DETRDil covered a Central Government planning policy perspective, looking at the relationship with the Department of Trade and Industry, legislation that is in place, the role of the planning system and considerations for planners and the role of Government Offices.

Paul Brighton, Border BiofuelsPaul provided an industry perspective looking at the development process from fuel supply to planning. The issues around planning permission, procedural planning issues, costs, NIMBYism and the future for biomass.

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8.0 WORKBOOK MATERIALSIn the pilot workshops the scene and context for biomass in the UK was set using published materials provided in the Workbook. Several documents were put together by the consultants to offer a concise summary of other various published materials to be more digestible for participants. This information will require updating as the industry develops.

The background information provided at the workshop needs to cover a range of issues to be of interest to each of the stakeholder groups. The aim of the information is to provide the reader with a basic understanding of biomass power production in the UK before attending the workshop. The benefits are two-fold. Firstly those participants with a limited knowledge of biomass can acquire sufficient information to understand the terminology and engage in dialogue. Secondly, the level of exploration of the issues is increased due to the baseline of background information being raised.

To aid participants in their understanding of biomass at the workshop, some background information was sent out to participants in advance of the workshop. This foresight of the issues allows participants to start thinking about their perspective on biomass and their own issues and concerns. It also provides the opportunity for participants to talk with other members of their organisation to gain other perspectives.

The materials supplied to participants in advance of the pilot meetings10 included the following information (see fact sheets that follow this section):

• An Introduction to Biomass Power Plants (Fact Sheet 1);• National Policy and support for Biomass (Fact Sheet 2);• Impacts of Biomass Power Generation (Fact Sheet 3);• An Introduction to Biomass Energy Crops (Fact Sheet 4).• Details of Current Biomass Schemes, Planned and Operating in

the UK (Fact Sheet 5); and• Information on current funding of projects through Non Fossil

Fuel Obligations (NFFO)11.

The materials supplied in the Workbook on the day, included those identified above, in addition to the following information (see list of information sources and web sites to follow):

• A typical planning application outline;• Information on Government funding (see Section 8.1);• Current Government documentation (see Section 8.1);• Current press releases (see Section 8.1); and• A list of biomass web sites (see Section 8.1).

10 The information provided in the Fact Sheets, both in advance of the workshops and in the Workbook has developed slightly since the workshops in order to offer an up to date picture of the biomass industry.11 NFFO Fact Sheets 1 - 12 produced by ETSU for DTI, 1998.

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The programme for the workshop day identifies where the background information fits within the Workbook.

In planning the workshop it is important to supply sufficient relevant information. This will, to some extent, be dependent on the focus of the workshop, for example, regional or local, scale of the plant and the experience of the stakeholders participating in the workshop. It may be necessary to provide additional or alternative worksheets according to the chosen focus, for example, small scale biomass plants only producing heat will have different impacts and funding potential than large scale power plants. The factsheets would need to be modified /substituted to accommodate this.

The biomass industry is the subject of a great deal of ongoing research. Information is frequently introduced and updated. It is therefore important that the Workbook material is current.

The use of the fact sheets contained within this Workbook is optional and would all require reviewing and updating before being used in a workshop. For example, NFFO has been replaced by the Renewables Obligation and therefore certain references to NFFO in the fact sheets used in the Workbook at the pilot workshops might not be appropriate.

Relevant press articles and Government documents should be added to the Workbook material to keep it current to developments within the industry. A list of potential information sources that can be used, is attached in Section 11.1. This list is not exhaustive but would enable an up to date background of developments within the biomass industry to be gained.

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FACT SHEET ONEAN INTRODUCTION TO BIOMASS POWER PLANTS

'Biomass is all plant and animal matter on the Earth’s surface. Harvesting biomass such as crops, trees or dung and using it to generate energy that is

heat, electricity or motion, is Bioenergy.’ (British Biogen, 2000a)

The use of biomass materials to produce energy through burning was the first and remains an essential source of energy throughout the world. Traditional use of wood as fuel still occurs and indeed 900,000 tonnes are burnt for domestic and commercial heating in the UK per year. Large-scale power production from biomass is less expansive but is being increasingly considered as an important energy source worldwide.

Biomass fuels• Energy Crops - Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) (Willow or

Poplar) and Energy Grasses (e.g. Miscanthus)• Agricultural by-products (e.g. Straw or Chicken Litter)• Forestry Residues

Biomass fuels are a renewable source of energy and bring many environmental benefits over more common forms of energy production involving the burning of fossil fuels. (British Biogen, 2000a)

Benefits of biomass energy production• Biomass fuel is a sustainable resource that can be managed or grown as

part of existing agricultural systems.• Energy crops contribute towards the achievement of renewable energy

targets.• Energy crops benefit the rural community with an estimated five jobs

created for each Mega Watt of electricity generated.• Using biomass instead of fossil fuels helps reduce carbon dioxide (CO2)

and other potentially damaging emissions. For example when wood is burned, it only puts back into the atmosphere the CO2 that it absorbed from the atmosphere while it was growing. CO2 is one of the main greenhouse gases contributing to climate change. (DTI, 2000e)

• Building and operating biomass heat or power plants can create jobs and increase demand for local goods and services in rural communities.

• A demand for biomass crops such as grasses and SRC may provide opportunities for farmers to diversify crops, which could help supplement farm incomes.

• A valuable product can be taken from materials that otherwise would be wasted such as forestry residues or require alternative treatment such as straw.

• Increasing energy production from biomass reduces dependency on diminishing fossil fuel supplies. (DTI, 2000e)

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ScaleThe scale of biomass schemes can vary. Local schemes are developed producing heat and/or electricity to be used 'in house’ for heating or in local buildings such as schools and hospitals to save on electricity bills. Larger scale schemes are developed to produce electricity for the national grid producing up to 38 Mega Watts (MW) power as at the Thetford Chicken Litter Power Plant.

There are three levels of energy production:1. Heating2. Electricity3. Combined Heat and Power

Combined Heat and Power (CHP) is generally considered more efficient than generating power alone. It is considered by many that the full benefit of CHP is underestimated as this increased efficiency can benefit carbon reduction considerably. However for CHP to be fully beneficial a use for the heat must be identified. The heat will usually be low grade thus suitable for space heating etc.

Biomass technology is relatively new in the UK with several plants producing energy from poultry litter and straw, no large-scale plants are currently producing electricity from wood fuel alone. However in Austria 13% of its energy supplies come from bioenergy and 3% in the US.

Biomass Technologies• Gasification involves heating the biomass fuel in a low oxygen

environment producing a gas. This can then be burnt in a turbine or engine to produce power. The ARB RE biomass plant in Eggborough uses gasification technology.

• Pyrolysis involves heating the biomass fuel to a high temperature with no oxygen resulting in a gas or oil fuel. This can then be burnt in a turbine or engine to produce power or if oil is produced, can be stored or transported for combustion at another site.

• Combustion involves direct burning of the biomass fuel in the presence of oxygen. This produces hot gases, which heat a boiler producing steam to run an engine or turbine creating power. Fluidised Bed is a common and well-proven example of combustion technology in the UK. This technology is used for the combustion of domestic waste materials and sewage sludge in the UK.

• Anaerobic Digestion is a form of treatment of biomass fuel using bacteria in an enclosed unit with no oxygen, which produces methane gas. The enclosed unit allows control of emissions and collection of the methane gas, which can be burnt to produce energy. Anaerobic digestion has been used for some time in the UK for treating sewage sludge.

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Short Rotation CoppiceSRC can be generally defined as Willow or Poplar grown as an agricultural crop on a short (2-5 year) rotation cutting cycle and at a planting density of 10-20,000 cuttings/hectare.

The development of SRC for renewable energy production is an industry with potential for considerable expansion, offering benefits for growers, developers, consumers, local communities and the environment. However SRC energy production as with any development can have local impacts. A checklist of things to be considered in a SRC power plant development is shown below. These points are expanded on in the Good Practice Guidelines 'Short Rotation Coppice for Energy Production’. (DTI, 1996) Copies are available from British Biogen.

ConsultationGrowing

HarvestingTransportEnergyProduction

Poultry Litter

Who to consult TimingEconomic viabilitySite assessment and selectionPlantation Design and PlantingStorageMechanismsLocal ImpactSite SelectionTechnologyPlanning PermissionConstruction of PlantOperation of PlantMonitoringDecommissioning

The UK poultry farming industry produces more than 1.5 million tonnes per annum of litter from broiler poultry farms. This litter consists of a mixture of wood shavings and/or straw or other suitable bedding material and poultry droppings, and is an excellent fuel for electricity generation with nearly half the calorific value of coal.

By burning poultry litter for power, value is taken from the material and pollution from existing disposal methods is reduced. (Fibrowatt, 2000) For example chicken litter is used as manure on agricultural land but leaches high concentrations of nitrates and produces methane and odours as the matter breaks down in storage.

The UK boasts the first three Poultry Litter fired Power Plants (over 10MW) in the world. Several further plants have been constructed making chicken litter the leading fuel for biomass energy production in the UK. (Fibrowatt, 2000)

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FACT SHEET TWONATIONAL POLICY AND SUPPORT FOR BIOMASS

It is internationally recognised that deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels are two of the key factors in the increase in atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases throughout the 20th Century. In response to this the UK Government has a National goal of a 20% reduction in carbon dioxide (C02) emissions by 2010. In co-ordination with this the Government are working towards targets for renewable energy technologies to produce 10% of UK electricity supplies as soon as possible.12 (DTI, 1999) It hopes to reach this again, by 2010. Biomass technologies have a major part to play in achieving this target.

Currently the UK produces 2.8% of its power demand through renewable sources. This increased in the last year by just 0.2% with large hydro schemes contributing 50% of the increased total output of 10,237 Giga Watt hours (GWh). Landfill Gas and Waste incineration contributed a further 30% and onshore wind 9%. Biomass, sewage gases and other wastes made up the remaining percentage increase in 1999. (ENDS, 2000) However these latest figures show the percentage contribution to the 1999 increase in renewables does not reflect the overall pattern shown in the chart below.

Renewable Energy Sources 1999

□ Biofuels□ Wind H Hydro■ Solar Heating

(Brodie L and Stunell A, 1999)

It is hoped that energy crops will become competitive with fossil fuels as an energy source in the future. However, in the short term energy crops will require a subsidy to:

12 In 1999, the Government published a consultation paper entitled ‘New and Renewable Energy: Prospects for the 21st Century(DTI, 1999) The key elements of the consultation on this Government policy are summarised in a publication by the Department of Trade and Industry: ‘New and Renewable Energy, Prospects for the 21st Century - Conclusions in response to the public consultation. ’ Both available on the DTI web site at: www.dti.gov.uk.

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1. Reduce the costs of growing the crop and reduce the risks associated with the crop.

2. Ensure a market for the energy produced, as unit cost may be high due to the large capital outlay required for plant construction.

Funding and SupportGrants and other payments have been/are available for biomass power plants and growing SRC from a number of sources.

1. Non Fossil Fuel ObligationNon Fossil Fuel Obligation (NFFO) and the Scottish Renewables Obligation (SRO’s) gave generators of electricity from renewable sources a premium price and a guaranteed market for the power produced. Since 1990, this was the major mechanism for the encouragement of renewable energy in the UK. To date there have been five rounds of NFFO’s, the most recent being concluded in September 1998. There have been three rounds of SRO’s completed.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) have chosen to move away from this arrangement and adopt a supply obligation approach. Any new large-scale schemes that get submitted for planning approval will most likely be associated with the new Renewables Obligation.

2. Renewable Energy PolicyIn 1999 the Government published its initial conclusions on its policy for New and Renewable Energy in the UK. The key elements included:

• Introduction of a Renewables Obligation to succeed the Non Fossil Fuel Obligation (NFFO)

• Exemption of renewable electricity and heat from the Climate Change Levy

• An expanded support programme for new and renewable energy• A regional strategic approach to planning and regional targets

for renewable energy (DTI, 2000f).

Under the Utilities Act 2000 the proposed Renewables Obligation will be imposed which will build on the support for renewable energy which has previously been given through the NFFO scheme. The obligation will be on suppliers to take a percentage of their electricity demand from renewable resources. The DTI will be consulting this year on the exact detail of the Renewables Obligation. Further information can be found on the DTI web site www.dti.gov.uk/renewables/index.html (DTI, 2000f).

3. Climate Change LevyThe Climate Change Levy is due to come into effect in April 2001. The levy will impact on energy used in industry, commerce and the public sector. The aim is to provide incentives to opt for ‘green’ electricity with the revenue being put back into business and extra support for energy efficiency measures. Electricity and heat produced from renewable sources (excluding large-scale

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hydropower which has a well established market) will be exempt from the levy (DTI, 2000f).

4. Regional Planning and TargetsConclusions from the recent public consultation on ‘New and Renewable Energy - Prospects for the 21st Century’ highlighted that the Government policy aims to develop a regional strategic approach and targets for renewable energy.

'The Government is very keen to see a positive strategic approach to planning

for renewable energy at regional and local levels to facilitate the development of

renewables while protecting the countryside.' (DTI, Jan 2000)

The regional approach fits in with the proposed supply obligations for Electricity companies to support local initiatives by offering good unit prices for the power produced. Regional assessments of renewable energy are already being undertaken with a view to setting regional targets for renewables. (DTI, 2000f)

5. EU GrantsThere are funds available from EU grants. Funds from EU programmes, such as JOULE-THERMIE, provided funding for the ARB RE biomass plant at Eggborough (Arbre, 2000). One of the main aims of THERMIE was to advance or implement innovative techniques for which research and development has mostly been completed and to prove technical and economic viability by applying on a sufficiently large-scale for the first time. These grant schemes came under the Energy Framework Programmes. The scope and project requirements for funding change with each Energy Framework Programme. Applications for funding of energy projects are currently under the Fifth Energy Framework Programme FP5. Further information can be found on the EC web site www.cordis.lu (EC, 2000).

6. Energy Crop SchemeThe England Rural Development Programme (ERDP) includes the provision for an Energy Crops Scheme and it is intended that around £30 million be allocated over the next seven years to support short rotation coppice and Miscanthus growth for energy production. The Scheme could potentially support 21,700 hectares of energy crops by the year 2006/07, which could:

• Produce 279,000 tonnes of biomass• Produce 4.3m Giga Joules (GJ) of energy• Save 43,400 tonnes to 190,960 tonnes of CO2 emissions (MAFF, 2000)

For land which is eligible for aid under the Arable Area Payment Scheme, the planting of short rotation coppice and Miscanthus on set-aside land will be permitted and the annual payment will still be payable.

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Funding is expected to be available from the Energy Crop Scheme from April 2001. Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food (MAFF) intend to have the new scheme in place by summer 2000 in order to provide continuity with the grants currently available for short rotation coppice under the Woodland Grant Scheme. (MAFF, 2000)

7. Other support for growing SRC• Countryside Stewardship, Farm and Conservation Grant

Scheme.• Specific incentives may be available in areas such as National

and Community Forests from the Countryside Commission.

If the Government target of 10% of the nation’s electricity generated from renewable sources by 2010 is to be achieved, biomass and offshore wind industries will need to contribute 25 - 30% of total output from renewable technologies. (ENDS, 2000) It has been estimated that biomass could contribute 5% to the total electricity demand by 2025. In the longer term it has been estimated that biomass could supply up to 15% of current electricity demand. (Brodie and Stunell, 1999)

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FACT SHEET THREEIMPACTS OF BIOMASS POWER GENERATION

In considering development of a regional strategic approach and targets for renewable energy it is important to consider the positive and negative impacts a biomass power plant may have on a location.

Looking at large scale biomass power plants, there are three key causes of local/regional impacts:

1. The growing and/or collection of biomass2. The transportation of fuel3. The operation of the power plant

Growing / Collection of FuelAlthough outside the remit of the planning process the impacts of fuel growth and collection are key to ensuring the successful development of the facility. The impacts related to chicken litter and straw burning facilities are less expansive as these materials are already produced and collected. They are simply being delivered to a different facility. Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) in contrast involves a change of land use. The Forestry Commission is currently updating their guidance note on SRC in the landscape; this should be available in the April.13 The following bullets are also considered under MAFF’s Energy Crop Scheme.

• Landscape and visibility are affected by a change in land-use. Thought needs to be given to possible detrimental effects of planting crops in proximity to National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. As SRC is generally a tall crop it can impair or enhance views and visual amenities. (DTI, 1999)

• SRC is most likely to be successfully grown on pasture; arable land or set-aside land and is generally considered to require a lot of water, which can have detrimental impacts on local environments and ecosystems.14

• The crop can impact on Nature Conservation again in positive and negative ways. It is usually beneficial to wildlife if planted in a suitable location and on an appropriate scale. (Tucker and Sage, 1999)

• Consideration again needs to be given to delicate or valuable ecosystems such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s). Negative impacts on archaeological sites can also occur.

13 Guidance note 2: SRC in the landscape. This document can be obtained, when available in April 2001, from Telelink on 01329 331 345.14 The impact of SRC on water resources requires clarification and if necessary further research, especially around aquifer recharge. Work is planned to determine the effect of growing SRC and Miscanthus on local water availability and water quality.

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• Harvesting the crop will have the greatest impacts on local communities. Noise levels will be similar to harvesting of other arable crops, however chipping operations may raise the noise levels for local residents. (DTI, 1999)

The general theme from research performed by environmental stakeholders such as The Game Conservancy Trust is that SRC is beneficial to local environments providing careful thought goes into site selection and appropriate management is administered.

The Forestry Commission is responsible for carrying out all the environmental assessments for Energy Crop Schemes seeking to be established with grant aid support, for example, landscape, SSSI’s archaeology.

TransportTransportation of the fuel is one of the greatest causes of contention for local communities. Emissions, noise and traffic volumes will all increase with the introduction of a biomass power facility, as the scheme requires a continuous fuel supply. A 38 tonne lorry will hold about 23 tonnes of wood chips. This equates to two return vehicle journeys per day per Mega Watt (MW) of energy. (DTI, 2000c)

There is a delicate balance that must be struck between the energy consumed in transporting fuels and the energy produced in the overall process. Some biomass fuels such as straw have a low energy density so require greater quantities of materials to be transported and produce a relatively low energy output.

Biomass Power PlantDue to transport issues discussed above the location of a biomass power plant must be in close proximity to the source of the fuel. Therefore, depending on the fuel, biomass power plants are usually located in rural regions. The impact a large industrial facility can have on a rural community can be quite significant.

A biomass power plant facility would be likely to include1. Fuel Storage - this is less significant for poultry litter schemes

as the production of the fuel is consistent2. Main building which may contain boilers, gasifiers, turbines

etc3. Air Cooled Condenser4. Bag Filter and Chimney5. Ash Silo6. Ancillary (additional) Plant and Structure7. Access Roads, Hard-standings and Fencing8. Visitors Centre

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• Site Size is to some extent dependant on the capacity of the power plant. Storage facilities add extra area to a site because of the seasonality of fuel harvesting which, for SRC, occurs in the winter after leaf fall and before buds appear. The location of the storage can be either at the source of the fuel, an intermediate centre or on the site of power production. The larger the site the greater the impact on noise and visual amenities for local residents.

• Chimney height and location will depend on the site but inevitably will be considered an eyesore by local residents.

• Construction time scale will vary again depending on the scale of the facility. Likely impacts within this period include dust, noise, increased transport and increased use of access road.

• Emissions from large-scale combustion processes are always a concern forlocal residents and regional/national environment interest groups. Every combustion plant generates some emissions. These consist largely of Nitrogen, Oxygen and Carbon dioxide (CO2). Other emissions willinclude particulates, Carbon Monoxide, Oxides of Nitrogen and Volatile Organic Compounds.

These are all strictly controlled by legislation, however concerns about the plant safety may still exist among local residents. Emission concentrations will vary depending on the technology used (see table 1) and the fuel used. Burning of wood fuel is considered to be CO2 neutral and combustion of chicken litter is reducing pollutants from alternative use of the material so trade-offs may have to be evaluated by any opposing residents. •

• Employment at the power plant provides a positive economic impact in the area and may have knock on benefits for other local activity. For example the proposed SRC biomass power plant at Cricklade, North Wiltshire estimates that 15 new permanent jobs will be created on site. 18 jobs will be created indirectly from the procurement of goods and services required by the plant and a further 35 jobs will be created from the increase in expenditure in the local economy. There will also be 75 workers employed during the 18-month construction period of the plant. (Ambient Energy Ltd, 2000)

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Table 1: Typical stack emission concentrations from a wood-fired electricity generating plant (mg/m3)a (DTI, 2000d)

Technology Plant Size Sulphur Nitrogen Particulates Volatile Carbon (Mega Watts dioxides Oxides Organic Monoxideof Energy) (SO2) (NOx) Compounds (CO)

(VOC’s)Combustion* 10MWe 50 300 100 50 200Gasification 10MWe 30 100 <50 20 400Pyrolysis 10MWe 20 200 <50 Not available 150a Milligrams per cubic metre of exhaust gas(NB *The information presented in the above table is currently under review. Up to date information should be sought before replication of this fact sheet.)

Careful site selection, good plant management and investigation into the possible impacts on the local environment and community will result in a facility with minimum local and regional impacts (and increase the likelihood of approved planning permission).

ConsultationPlanning applications for large-scale facilities by definition carry more public opposition than other types of application. However public opposition is largely due to the public not being given the opportunity to understand: the need; the alternatives; the reasons various options have been selected; and the trade-offs implicit in the selection process, including any potential impact the project may have on them or their community. As Albert Camus once said,

"When deprived of choice, the only freedom left is to say no!”

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FACT SHEET FOURBIOMASS ENERGY CROPS

Energy crops offer one of the greatest potential sources of renewable energy for electricity, heat and combined heat and power generation and also offer significant environmental and ecological benefits alongside the development of a sustainable energy resource. They are important as a renewable energy technology because they can be grown and managed as part of existing agricultural systems to meet the need of the market unlike other renewable resources that must be harnessed where they occur.

Although growing wood for fuel dates from mediaeval times, in their modern form energy crops are the most recent and innovative biomass fuel option. These dedicated energy crops include Short Rotation Coppice (SRC), such as willow and poplar, and fast-growing grasses, such as Miscanthus.

Technically, the most advanced energy crop for northern European conditions is willow coppice15 (Salix spp.) commonly referred to as Short Rotation Coppice, or SRC. This is a perennial crop harvested on a rotation of 2 - 4 years to provide a regular and constantly renewable supply of fuel.

The crop is established during the spring (March - June) by planting ~15-20,000 cuttings per hectare. After one year these are cutback close to the ground, which causes them to form multiple shoots (i.e. to coppice). The crop is then allowed to grow for 2-4 years, after which time the fuel is harvested by cutting the stems close to the soil level. The cut stems again form multiple shoots that grow on for a further cycle to become the next harvest. The crop has a predicted life span of between 20-30 years. The shoots can be harvested during the winter, when the leaves have fallen, as chips, short billets or as whole stems, 25-50mm diameter and 3-4 metre long.

A recent development in the UK is the establishment of the first commercial plantations of willow to fuel the ARBRE project in Yorkshire. This is a European Commission THERMIE project under NFFO-3 that uses gasification and gas turbine technology. For this project, there are currently ~1,100ha of willow established towards a target of ~1,500ha by 2001/02.

Of the grasses, Miscanthus (or Elephant Grass) has been the most extensively studied. It is of tropical origin and uses sunlight more efficiently to produce higher yields than native plants. It seems to grow well in the South but is less well adapted to the climate in the north of the UK. It is similar to coppice in that it is perennial, and harvested in the winter but on a one-year cycle compared to 2-4 for SRC. The fuel has a similar calorific value per unit weight as wood and could possibly be used in the same power plant or those designed for agricultural residues. The potential advantages compared to SRC

15 SRC Poplar has also been used extensively in trials but has been found to be more susceptible to diseases (esp. rusts) when planted at close spacing. Some poplar varieties also tend to remain single stemmed. Further research has been commissioned by MAFF to identify/develop more suitable varieties for SRC.

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are that the harvested fuel is relatively dry, standard agricultural equipment can be used, and the yield potential is higher (15-30 dry tonnes per hectare per year as opposed to 10-20 tonnes per hectare per year for SRC). However, the experience of producing these crops on a commercial scale is still limited and the establishment costs are high. The New and Renewable Energy Programme has supported a trial plot of Miscanthus near Ely, Cambridgeshire, with a view to test firing in the new straw fired power plant there.

Energy crops can offer significant environmental benefits especially where land has previously been farmed intensively. For example, it can provide landscape variety, a habitat for many species of plants, birds and other wildlife (increasing wildlife diversity) and is a very low input crop compared to annual arable crops, so maximising the net energy output. (Beale N, 2000)

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FACT SHEET FIVEBIOMASS POWER PLANTS PLANNED AND APPROVED IN

THE UKThe details on biomass power plants in the UK have been obtained from various sources, British Biogen, Planning Consultants, Case Officers and Developers. This list does not contain all the examples of biomass power plant applications in the UK but those applications, which have been awarded a NFFO and are undergoing planning approval or have been approved.

Fife - EPRLFuel Source: 100,000 tonnes of poultry litterSize: 15 MWTechnology: GasificationStage of Construction: Construction completedStart date: Commissioning ongoingSupport: SRO 1Contact: www.eprl.co.uk

Eve - FibropowerFuel Source: Chicken LitterSize: 12.7MW powerTechnology: CombustionStart date: July 1992Support: NFFO 2Contact: www.fibrowatt.com

Glanford (North Lines.) - FibrogenFuel Source: Chicken LitterSize: 13.5MW powerTechnology: CombustionStart date: November 1993Support: NFFO 2Contact: www.fibrowatt.com

ARBRE (Yorkshire) - First RenewablesFuel Source: Wood chips, forest and coppice sourcesSize: 8 MW of powerTechnology: Gasification technologyStage of Construction: Plant construction is in the completion stage and

the gas turbines are currently running on start up fuel.

Start date:2001

Biomass gasification is expected to start early

Support: NFFO 3, EC THERMIE grantContact: www.arbre.co.uk

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Corbv - EPRLFuel Source: Straw and forestry wasteSize: 38 MW of powerStage of Planning: Undergoing its second applicationSupport: NFFO 3Contact: www.eprl.co.uk

Elv - EPRLFuel Source: 200,000 tonnes of straw per annumSize: 38MW of powerTechnology: CombustionStage of Construction: Planning permission was approved in 1996.

Commissioning autumn 2000Start date: autumn 2000Support: NFFO 3Contact: www.eprl.co.uk

Thetford (Norfolk) - FibrogenFuel Source: Chicken LitterSize: 38.5MW powerTechnology: CombustionStart date: October 1998Support: NFFO 3Contact: www.fibrowatt.com

Crieklade, North Wiltshire - Ambient EnergyLtdFuel Source: Untreated wood from short rotation coppice or

forestry residues onlySize: 5.8MW of powerTechnology: GasificationLife Expectancy: 25 yearsJob Creation: 68 jobs are expected to be created both directly

and indirectly from the development in the localarea

Stage of Planning: Planning permission refusedSupport: NFFO 3Contact: www.ambientenergy.com

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Eve, Suffolk - Ambient Energy LtdFuel Source: Untreated wood from short rotation coppice or

forestry residues onlySize: 5.8MW of powerTechnology: GasificationLife Expectancy: 25 yearsJob Creation: 68 jobs are expected to be created both directly

and indirectly from the development in the localarea

Stage of Planning: Planning permission has been approvedSupport: NFFO 3.Contact: www.ambientenergy.com

Carlisle - Border BiofuelsFuel Source:necessary

Forestry residue and short rotation coppice if

Size: 24MW of powerTechnology: Pyrolysis technologyStage of Planning: The Carlisle plant application was accepted

subject to the completion of a legal agreement, under Section 106 Town & Country Planning Act 1990. This has not yet been completed.

Support: NFFO 4Contact: www.borderbiofuels.com

Newbridge on Wve - Border BiofuelsFuel Source: Forestry residues, by-products from primary

timber processing (from adjacent saw mill) and Short Rotation Coppice

Size: 22MW of powerTechnology: Pyrolysis technologyStage of Planning: Undergoing its second applicationSupport: NFFO 4Contact: www.borderbiofuels.com

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8.1 Kev Information SourcesThe information, which was produced for the pilot workshops, was collated from a number of sources and is shown in this section. The biomass industry is developing and therefore information will change and need to be replaced. The information contained in this section was current at the time of the workshops in autumn 2000. A list of further information resources is provided, as is a list of web sites, which were collated for the pilot workshops.

There are several main sources that can be used to gain information and these should be researched to ensure information is up to date, these include:

British Biogen - www.britishbiogen.co.ukBritish Biogen is the Trade Association to the UK Bioenergy Industry. They represent a wide range of sectors to create a forum for all sides of the industry, to exchange views, plan and agree a co-ordinated and integrated approach to the development of the bioenergy market. The information they can provide includes a variety of information leaflets on the biomass industry in the UK, lists of current and proposed biomass projects and lists of British Biogen members and therefore potential speakers/participants for workshops.

Department of Trade and Industry - www.dti.gov.uk / ETSU - www.etsu.co.ukThe DTI is responsible for the policy development of New and Renewable Energy. They can offer information on Government policy and funding. ETSU has an extensive library of information on all aspects of new and renewable energy production and research.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Foods - www.maff.gov.ukMAFF can offer information on the development of short rotation coppice and other energy crops, information on financial support available for biomass growers and information on the issues associated with growing biomass energy crops.

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RESOURCE LIST FOR FURTHER INFORMATIONTitle Author Location‘The Good Practice Guidelines - ShortRotation Coppice forEnergy Production’

Produced by the Department of Trade and Industry through British Biogen in1999

Available from British Biogen:Tel: 020 7831 7222

New and RenewableEnergy, Prospects for the2Jst OerntwryConclusions in response to the Public Consultation

Produced by the Department of Trade and Industry (January 2000)

Available from DTI web site:www.dti.gov.uk/renewable/policy

NEW REVIEW - news letter for the UK New & Renewable EnergyIndustry

Produced by the Department of Trade and Industry quarterly

Available from DTI web site:www.dti.gov.uk/newreview

Renewable EnergyGeneral Literature List - Biomass

Produced by theDTI’s New & Renewable Energy Programme (2000)

Available from New and Renewable Energy Enquiries Bureau - ETSU:Tel: 01235 433 601

Biomass - Products and Services from Britain

Produced by theDTI’s New & Renewable Energy Programme (2000)

Available from British Biogen and ETSU as above

Bioenergy - 21st Century Fuel

Produced by British Biogen

Available from British Biogen as above

Short Rotation coppice in the Landscape - Guidance Note number 2

Will be produced by the Forestry Commission

This document can be obtained, when available, from Telelink on 01329331 345.

Establishment of Short Rotation Coppice - Practice Note

Produced by the ForestryCommission in 1999

Available from Forestry Commission web site: www.forestry.gov.uk

Journal for Environment Data Services (ENDS) - up to date articles on renewable energy and biomass power

Produced by ENDS Ltd monthly

Available from ENDSLtd:Tel: 020 7814 5300Web site: www.ends.co.uk

Energy Crops Scheme, Grants for Establishment Producer Groups

Produced by MAFF www.maff.gov.uk/farm/acu/acu.htm

Energy Crops Scheme, Establishment Grants for Short Rotation Coppice and Miscanthus

Produced by MAFF www.maff.gov.uk/farm/acu/acu.htm

Energy from Willow Published by SAC (December 2000)

Available from: www.sac.ac.uk/willownower

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WEB SITESThe following lists websites that workshop organisers may find useful for sourcing information for this workshop. This list is also useful to participants to find out further information about biomass.

(In alphabetical order) www.arbre.co.ukDetails of Project Arbre the first commercial plant of its type in the UK.

www.britishbiogen.co.ukBritish Biogen is the trade association for the British Bioenergy Industry.

www.caddet-re.orgCaddet (Centre for the Analysis and Dissemination of Demonstrated Energy Technologies) renewable energy is an International Energy Agency agreement for exchange of information on commercial renewable energy projects. Caddet has been operating since 1993.

www.countryside-commission.gov.uk The Countryside Commission’s web pages.

www.detr.gov.ukThe UK Government web site contains pages on sustainable development and National planning policy.

www.dti.gov.uk/renewable/index.htmlThe home page of the Department of Trade and Industry’s New & Renewable Energy Programme (managed by ETSU).

www.etsu.co.uk/biosemBiosem (Biomass Socio-economic multiplier) technique is a quantitative model designed to capture and analyse the socio-economic impacts of bio­energy in rural economies.

www.etsu.co.uk/restatsRestats has information on known projects for all renewables.

www.foe.org.ukFriends of the Earth web pages.

www.forestry.gov.ukContains Forestry Commission publications and information.

www.gct.org.ukThe Game Conservancy Trust’s web pages.

www.ixj.com/suppands/renergJames and James World Renewable Energy Suppliers and Services. Contains a full listing of suppliers and services.

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www.maff.gov.uk/farm/acu/acu.htmMAFF (Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Foods) contains details of current research.

www.nf-2000.orgNF-2000 net is the Non Food Agro-Industrial Research Information dissemination network. Listing of projects funded by Joule and Thermie grants.

www.nfu.org.ukThe National Farmers Union web pages.

www.rspb.org.ukThe Royal Society for the Protection of Birds web pages.

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9.0 THE CASE STUDYIn order to achieve a real sense of what an application would consist of, a hypothetical case study16 of a biomass power plant application was designed with a view to having being refused planning permission. Its aim was to highlight some of the issues by which an application could have been refused.

The case study was made up from details of several different plants in the UK and a hypothetical location map produced. The use of the case study allowed participants to increase their awareness of the details surrounding a biomass power plant and encouraged discussion about the key issues and concerns of the different stakeholders among workshop participants.

The case study consisted of:• An overview of the plant to offer the participants a one page

summary covering the key facts and figures;• An application/supporting statement detailing the key issues;• A map to show the location of the site;• A series of questions for participants to encourage them to

focus on all the different aspects of the application, not just those areas they are most familiar with.

The case study was put together to offer a very concise overview of the key points and issues which could arise within and around a biomass power plant application. Due to the limited time that is available in a workshop, it is not possible to offer a full application as it would take too long for participants to process.

Participants found that although the case study did not offer a full representation of an application, it did prove particularly useful in highlighting the key issues. The case study also addressed the expectations of participants as well as the impacts and issues which could cause the application to fail.

Workshop organisers will need to consider the trade-off’s in terms of the time available to review a more detailed application, versus the learning experience provided by a case study that simply offers a short overview of a planning scenario.

The pilot workshops showed that to have an effective session working on the case study, it is important to structure the information to offer an easy reference to the small working groups. For example, label the sections and paragraphs so they can be referenced quickly between group members.

16 The hypothetical case study is fictitious and any resemblance to real applications, either planned, submitted, or approved is purely coincidental.

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9.1 Case Study used at the Pilot WorkshopsOVERVIEW OF GENFUEL LTD BIOMASS POWER PLANT

Aspect Summary detailsDeveloper Genfuel LtdName of development

Purset Biomass Power Plant

Location The site in the county of Barsetshire can be found situated 5Km south of the village of Little Pomfret and to the east of the Purset Light Industrial Estate. The River Pomfret is 0.5Km to the north of the proposed site. There is an old hedgerow to the north and west, providing a natural screen from the river. The industrial estate to the west offers a partial screen to the A777 running north south.

Purpose The proposed development is for a biomass power station generating 15MW of electricity, fuelled by wood residues from forestry and dedicated wood processing plants.

Proposedconstructionperiod

December 1999 to October 2000

Proposedoperationalperiod

Commissioning October 2000 to December 2000. Full operation from January 2000 for a period of approximately 20 years after which major refits are anticipated.

Facilities Wood storage areaLow/high level conveyorsChipperSilosPyrolysis building and StackAncillary plant and structureAccess roads, hardstandings and fencing

Capacity 140,000 tonnes per annum of wood residueTypes ofwoodaccepted

Forestry residue resulting from felling operations in forests in the area, and wood residues from dedicated wood processing plant.

Electricitygenerated

15 MW of electricity

Airemissions

Will be released via a stack and will be monitored by the Environment Agency

Energygenerationsystem

A state of the art pyrolysis plant where wood chips are combusted into charcoal, oil and gas.

Hours of operation

The power plant will run 24 hours a day 365 days per year. The shutdown and maintenance programme has yet to be determined. Waste will be received to the plant from 07.30 hours to 19.00 hours Monday to Friday and 07.30 hours to 14.00 hours on Saturdays with no material delivered onSundays or Bank Holidays.

9.2 Case Study of Barsetshire

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Application/Supporting Statement for a Woodfuelled Biomass Power Plant in Little Pomfret, Barsetshire

1. Opening StatementThe application for this 15 MW biomass power plant was made earlier this year and failed at determination. Developers met with planners once before the application was submitted to discuss the proposal.

Applicant:Genfuel Ltd The Street Hogglestock

Site:Plots 8001-8004 Purset Industrial Estate Little Pomfret Barsetshire

• Present use of site - Agricultural• Applicants interest in site - Site Owners• Genfuel Ltd proposes to construct a power station of approximately

15MW generating capacity, fuelled by wood residues from forestry and dedicated wood processing plants.

• Under the terms of Schedule 2 to the Town and Country Planning (Assessment of Environmental Effects) Regulations 1988, a statutory Environmental Assessment will normally only be required for thermal power stations not exceeding 300MW if they are likely to have significant environmental effects. The plant is not deemed to have significant environmental effects therefore no environmental impact assessment is required with this application.

2. Site and Access• The site in the county of Barsetshire can be found situated 5 kilometre

(Km) south of the village of Little Pomfret and to the east of the Purset Light Industrial Estate. The river Pomfret is 0.5 Km to the north of the proposed site.

• There is an old hedgerow (300 years old) to the north and west, providing a natural screen from the river. The industrial estate to the west offers a partial screen to the A777 running north south.

• The application site does not involve any changes to access on trunk roads but does involve a road extension from the access road to the industrial estate to the proposed site. The main body of the site slopes towards the industrial estate and lies between the 120-150 metre contours. The closest dwelling is 1.0 km away from the boundary of the site, with the village of Little Pomfret (2,800 dwellings) being 5 Km away.

• Two overhead 132kV transmission lines run parallel to the western boundary of the Purset industrial estate, and connect into an electricity substation 10 miles away.

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3. The Plant and Process• The proposed development is for a biomass power station fuelled by

untreated wood. The raw material for the proposed power station will be wood residues from two sources:

1. Approximately 70,000 tonnes (50%) of wood residues (branches and tops) resulting from felling operations in forests in the area.

2. Approximately 70,000 tonnes (50%) of wood residues from dedicated wood processing plants (bark, chipping’s and shavings etc) and short rotation coppice of willow.

• The plant needs 140,000 tonnes of wet wood per annum to produce 15 Megawatts net generating capacity. It is envisaged that this wood will come from local forestry practises and be imported from around Barsetshire.

• The site will have storage for two to three week’s supply of wood residues. All material will be shredded to provide a consistent fuel source. Wood chips will then be dried in a drying store heated with waste heat produced by the generating plant. Drying reduces the moisture content therefore improving the calorific value.

• The dried wood chips will be then transferred for pyrolysis treatment to break the wood chips into three separate components: charcoal, oil and gas. The gas is recycled to heat the pyrolysis unit. The oil stream is used to directly fuel a gas turbine generator unit and the resulting exhaust gases, supplemented by combustion of the charcoal, will be used to raise steam through a boiler that will be passed through a steam turbine generator unit. Exhaust steam is cooled in a condensing system and the water recycled to the boiler. Waste heat from the condensers is used to dry the incoming wood chips.

4. Buildings, Plant and Site Layout• The power station comprises of the following: a reception area,

weighbridge, offices and an external wood residue storage area. The site will also accommodate a building to house the chipping machine, three silos for drying and a feed hopper. Woodchips will be transported by a system of conveyors from the stores to the pyrolysis building.

• The two principal buildings on the site will be the Pyrolysis building - where woodchips are broken down into component gas, oil and charcoal fractions, and a Co-generation building which houses the gas turbines, steam turbines and electrical generators.

• A number of items of plant are sited externally and these include storage tanks for process water, pyrolysis oil, the heat recovery steam boilers, air

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cooled condensers and high voltage switchgear. The scheme also envisages a stack 3 metres in diameter and 40 metres high to expel exhaust gases to the atmosphere in such a way as to satisfy integrated pollution control.

5. Transport• The wood will be delivered to the site on 38 tonne flat bed vehicles, each

vehicle carrying a 20 tonne load. This equates to approximately 20 two­way lorry movements each working day. The forestry residues will be baled and wrapped in plastic at the forest. Other wood will be transported in covered containers to the site.

6. Power Production• Electricity generated from the plant will be exported to the local grid

network. Proposals for the overhead line will be submitted in a separate planning application. Exhaust gases from the process will be emitted to air via a stack. The only physical residue form the process is ash, approximately 1% of the volume of the original material, which has a commercial value as a fertiliser and can be used as a soil improver for forestry and arable land.

7. Local Impacts• The plant will be designed to operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with

closures only for routine maintenance. Wood residues will be delivered to the site between 07.30-19.00 Monday to Friday and 07.30-14.00 on Saturdays with no material delivered on Sundays or Bank Holidays.

• The plant will support 60 jobs when operational, both at the plant and in local forestry operations.

8. Environmental Effects• The pyrolysis building is 40 metres by 24 metres and 15 metres high, the

co-generation building is 60 metres by 12 metres and 12 metres high. A single chimneystack rising to 40 metre height is external to the building and it is the highest structure on the site.

• The stores are 25 metres diameter at ground level and 2 metres diameter at the top and 17 metres in height.

• The area is characterised by low level manufacturing buildings, except for the electricity pylons running to the side of the industrial estate.

• The scale of the buildings and the chimney will mean that the development will be visible from Little Pomfret, however landscaping will ensure that the effects are minimised.

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9. Atmospheric Emissions• The Environment Agency is responsible for licencing the plant prior to

construction and monitoring and regulating operational emissions.

• Pollution control is achieved by eliminating or reducing unwanted emissions that result from industrial processes at source. Any remaining emissions to the atmosphere are released in such a way to render them inoffensive and harmless. This will be obtained by ‘best available technology not entailing excessive costs (BATNEEC).’

• Pyrloysis combustion is claimed to be 14% more efficient than conventional burning and results in a significant reduction in emissions.

Typical stack emission concentrations from a wood-fired electricity generating plant (mg/m3)aGenerationTechnology

Plant size SO2 NOx Particulates VOC’s CO

Pyrolysis 10MWe 20 200 <50 Not available 150^Milligrams per cubic metre of exhaust gas

10. Emissions to Water• As with other emissions the Environment Agency is responsible for

ensuring regulations are adhered to. All plant and surface water effluent having potential environmental significance will be pre-treated prior to discharge.

• Surface water: Surface water and drainage will be passed through oil interceptors into the drains.

• General plant effluent: Will be neutralised and discharged.

11. Noise• The nearest residential building is 1 km away and noise is not expected to

be a problem and will be regularly monitored.

12. Local Policy• The County Structure Plan has no specific policies for dealing with

renewable energy applications.

• The river Pomfret is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It is 1km away from the boundary of the site. There will be no adverse effects.

• The scheme has been devised with the Government’s renewable energy policy in mind, subject to planning permission and authorisation from the Environment Agency, a licence has been granted under the Non Fossil Fuels Obligation (NFFO).

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• Within Purset District Local Plan the site is situated within an employment area and also within a Special Planning Zone (SPZ). The plan does not contain any policies dealing with renewable energy.

13. Post Application Submission• The applicant carried out the statutory consultation process, including an

exhibition in Little Pomfret of the plans for one-day (weekday).

• There were several hundred responses to the application raising various concerns around pollution, traffic, impacts on the SSSI, impact of growing the fuel source.

• Local concerns were centred around air emissions from the plant and the increased traffic on the road. These concerns arose because of numerous problems with industrial estate traffic e.g. using access roads that they are prohibited from using, speeding etc.

• A key protest group formed to oppose the site. Members were largely made up of Little Pomfret residents concerned about the emissions from the plant and the traffic. The group was further fuelled by concerns of Barset Town residents over emissions from a municipal waste incinerator 50 miles south.

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9.3 Case Study Questions used in Pilot WorkshopsCASE STUDY QUESTIONS

Whilst looking at the hypothetical case study participants were provided with some questions to help them discuss all of the stakeholder perspectives.

Work in the group to discuss the following questions. Sometimes you may be asked to think from a specific perspective, for example that of a planner.Fill in your individual sheet with your own issues and then summarise the group’s conclusions onto the overhead provided.

1. Review and discuss the areas that are unclear or that you have strong feelings about, from any perspective, following the first part of the workshop and the initial look at the application.

2. The application failed, why could the application have run into difficulties?There are several possibilities in different areas of the application, brainstorm as many as you can think of.

3. What role did each of the key stakeholders’ play in influencing the outcome of this application, specific to this application?Discuss as a group the perspectives of those involved in the application i.e. planner, proponent, NGO, resident or other, and try to summarise the action taken by each stakeholder group.

STAKEHOLDER ACTIONS TAKENDevelopersPlannersNGO’sLocal residentsOthers

4. What kind of reception would this application be likely to receive in your jurisdiction?Think about how the local politicians, planners, NGO’s, local residents, INYOUR OWN JURISDICTION may receive an application of this type.

WOULD IT BE LOOKED ON FAVOURABLY? WHY?

WHAT MAY CAUSE CONCERNS? WHY?

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5. Discuss from your own perspective as individuals not as stakeholders around the application, whether a difference in feedstock to the plant,i.e. chicken litter rather than woodchips, would mean the application would be received differently?

The feedstock types to consider are:

FEEDSTOCKTYPE

PRO’S CON’S

Short rotation coppiceChicken litter

Grassesi.e. MiscanthusStraw

6. In the interest of creating a best practice approach to this and other biomass planning applications, make a list of the key actions which could have been taken to prevent the application failing?

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10.0 STAKEHOLDER VIEWSIn order to pull together the learning experiences of the day, at the pilot workshops the full group spent the final session looking at the key issues and information needs for each of the stakeholder groups. This final session of the day can be completed in one of two ways.

10.1 Method OneA full plenary group can be used where participants explore and discuss the conclusions of the day together and summarise the five key points for each stakeholder group. This methodology was used in the Hampshire pilot workshop and concluded the day by producing an overall summary of stakeholder points through the group’s discussions.

10.2 Method TwoAlternatively, this session could be completed in the small working groups used earlier in the day. The small groups discuss what they see as the five key issues for each stakeholder and feedback to the full group allowing time for a full plenary discussion resulting in an overall list of key issues. Carrying out the closing session in this way does take time and needs to be carefully managed in the agenda for the day to ensure the session is effective.

Attached is a summary sheet that can be used to record the feedback for this session. In addition to those listed on this sheet the Hampshire workshop identified key priorities from Central Government.

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10.3 Feedback sheets used in the Pilot WorkshopsSTAKEHOLDER VIEWSDiscuss and identify the five key issues for each of the stakeholder groups, around the submission of a planning applicationDEVELOPER1.2.3.4.5.PLANNER1.2.3.4.5.NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATION (NGO)1.2.3.4.5.LOCAL RESIDENT1.2.3.4.5.OTHER KEY ISSUES1.

2.3.4.5.

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11.0 EVALUATING THE WORKSHOPEvaluating a workshop not only provides the organiser and the facilitator with feedback on the format of the day, but also offers an insight into what the participants considered to be valuable or missing, thereby providing an opportunity for additional material to be provided at a later stage.

The evaluation used in the pilot workshops looked at the value of the information provided both by the speakers; the Workbook; the group work sessions. Participants were asked to comment on each response and indicate who else they thought would benefit from participating in the workshop.

Evaluation can also be used to as a measurement as to whether Local Planning Authority or region needs to run further awareness raising workshops. The feedback can also indicate the extent to which the workshop participants can disseminate further information and highlighting gaps, which may exist and can then be targeted.

A format for the evaluation used at the pilot workshop follows. This provides some generic questions that could be asked.

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11.1 Evaluation used in the Pilot WorkshopsWORKSHOP EVALUATION

Your comments will be greatly appreciated and will be used to determine the value of the workshop for each participant, it will also identify any additional information you may require.Name:--------------------------------------------

Organisation: _______________________________I came to the workshop with:1-5 year’s □ 5-10 years □ 10-15 years □ More than 15 years □ experience as a planneror1-5 year’s □ 5-10 years □ 10-15 years □ More than 15 years □ experience as an applicantorOther □ (please state)_____________________

I have □ / have not □had previous experience with a biomass planning application

What were your expectations in coming to the workshop?

How did the workshop meet your overall expectations?Better than expected □ As expected □ Less than expected □ Not at all □Other Comments:

Did you find the materials provided:Very Useful □ Somewhat useful □ Not very useful □ A waste of time □Other Comments:

Please rate the individual workshop components on the basis indicated:Very Useful □ Somewhat useful □ Not very useful □ Needs rethinking □Other Comments:

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Components from the pilot workshops included:• A Government perspective• The Introduction to biomass projects• Background to planning experience with biomass projects• The case study of a mythical planning application• The reporting back session• Stakeholder views on biomass plants• Reporting back session

What other information prior to the workshop would have been useful?

Would you recommend the workshop to others:In your own organisation: Comments:

Yes □ Maybe □ No □

In other organisations: Comments:

Yes □ Maybe □ No □

Any other comments:

Thank you for taking the time to feedback your comments

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12.0 THE FEEDBACKThe feedback from the workshop on stakeholder issues and concerns around planning for biomass power plants that the participants produce through their questions, comments and discussion on the day, will provide a useful insight into the issues and concerns faced by each of the stakeholder groups. It will also highlight areas for potential further discussion and issues that may require further work or clarification.

The feedback and discussion on the day should be recorded to offer a full record of the meeting for workshop participants. Feedback can be recorded in ‘minute’ form and backed up by any notes made during the meeting by participants, for example, flip chart sheets, group work sheets or overhead projector sheets. It is important that this record is as accurate as possible to provide a true reflection of the groups thoughts.

It is important to send a summary of feedback from both the workshop discussions and the follow up evaluation to all who participated on the day. This provides participants with a record of the workshop and a set of background information to which they can refer to in the future.

Correspondence with the participants after the workshop helps maintain a local network of informed stakeholders around biomass power production. This group can be kept informed by the workshop organiser or by individuals within the group to continue raising awareness on biomass and other forms of renewable energy

The feedback could be used to produce a report or fact sheet to be distributed to stakeholder groups and individuals that did not attend the workshop to disseminate information about biomass power plants to a wider audience.

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