Biomass Crops/
Perennial Energy Crops (PECS)
Biomass crops, sometimes referred to as energy crops, are non-food plants cultivated for the purposes of energy production. They are typically herbaceous or woody plants with very high growth rates, limited requirements for nutrient input or heavily managed cultivation, and which possess a high potential energy content or calorific value.
Plants that possess these characteristics can be used to produce heat, electricity, and transport fuels at low rates of carbon emission, and even carbon neutrality in the right circumstances.
Best practice and innovations in biomass cultivation are showcased through in-person demonstration events at our sites. These activities share knowledge gained among farmers and growers considering planting biomass crops, as well as with government advisers, trade bodies, businesses and biomass end users.
The project provides independent information on biomass feedstock performance, agronomy, economics and environmental benefits to landowners and land managers. With a better understanding of geographic variations in the production of biomass plants and also relevant technical innovations in production methods, the project will encourage new crop production and encourage discussion and learning about the biomass sector.
This sharing of knowledge, experiences and case studies is making a significant contribution to agricultural, environmental and bioenergy policy development, practical on-farm development and overall growth in the UK’s biomass sector.
Short Rotation Forestry (SRF) Crops
*Short rotation coppice (SRC, 2-3 harvest cycle) Short rotation forestry (SRF, *-* harvest cycle)