Information Resources

In this presentation given at the Biomass Connect Showcase on 8th November 2024, Erisa Senerdem brings valuable insights from global biomass markets for agricultural residues like sugarcane bagasse and palm kernel shells. Particularly pertinent were comments about the importance of product specification, seasonality of supply, price volatility and matching to end user technologies.

In this presentation given at the Biomass Connect Showcase on 8th November 2024, Steve Smith shared the findings of the “State of CDR” report, emphasising the global need for carbon dioxide removal technologies. Whether it’s trees, peatland restoration, biochar, wood products, or BECCS, the majority involve biomass in some way.

In this presentation given at the Biomass Connect Showcase on 7th November 2024, Jeanette Whitaker (UKCEH) provides an overview of Biomass Connect and the various Biomass Feedstock Innovation projects, showing how their innovations are helping to shape the future of the biomass sector in the UK.

In this presentation given at the Biomass Connect Showcase on 7th November 2024, Zoe Harris, demonstrates the use of aeroponics as a cutting-edge propagation method for willow.

In this presentation given at the Biomass Connect Showcase on 7th November 2024, Alex McCash (Terravesta) describes the Terravesta OMENZ project achievements, including advancements in rhizome separation and planting efficiency.

In this presentation given at the Biomass Connect Showcase on 7th November 2024, Kevin Lindegaard (Envirocrops) introduces decision-making tools and an educational game to help aspiring biomass crop growers evaluate their options.

In this presentation given at the Biomass Connect Showcase on 7th November 2024, John Hawkins (Bagber Farms Ltd.) details his experiences growing reed canary grass.

In this presentation given at the Biomass Connect Showcase on 7th November 2024, Chris Johnston (AFBI) showcases the use of willow to manage farm water runoff, highlighting promising results.

In this presentation given at the Biomass Connect Showcase on 7th November 2024, Pietro Alasia (AL.Wood) provides insights into poplar cultivation in Italy

In this presentation given at the Biomass Connect Showcase on 7th November 2024, Tim Volk provides a comparative view of the willow industries in the USA and UK, emphasising the critical role of people and relationships and how we must cultivate these alongside the supply chain and technical advancements.

In this presentation given at the Biomass Connect Showcase on 7th November 2024, Kerrie Farrar outlines the Miscanspeed project.

In this presentation given at the Biomass Connect Showcase on 7th November 2024, Ian Shield outlines the Accelerating Willow Breeding and Deployment (AWBD) project.

In the presentation given at the Biomass Connect Showcase on 7th November 2024 Charlotte Powell (DESNZ) reflects on the NZIP Biomass Feedstocks Innovation programme.

At our October Demo Event at Mysercough College, near Preston, experts from UKCEH and PBC4GGR provided live demonstrations of eddy covariance towers for monitoring carbon fluxes and led sessions on soil carbon testing and biodiversity monitoring.

At our October Demo Event at the Boghall Demonstrator Hub near Edinburgh, Craig Bothwell of SAC Consulting discussed Scottish Government policy on Whole Farm Plans.

At our October Demo Event at the Boghall Demonstrator Hub near Edinburgh, David Eadie presented on available forestry grants and the economic potential of biomass integration.

At our October Demo Event at the Boghall Demonstrator Hub near Edinburgh, Sarah Erbanova focused on industry upskilling and carbon literacy to address the challenges of achieving net-zero carbon emission

Professor Jeanette Whitaker of the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) presented on the carbon capture potential of willow, offering insights into how cultivation can support the UK’s net-zero goals. This was presented at our October Demo Event at Mysercough College, near Preston.

Jamie Rickerby of Willow Energy delivered an engaging presentation on the commercial uses and markets for willow at our October Demo Event at Mysercough College, near Preston.

William Macalpine from Rothamsted Research discussed advancements in breeding new short rotation coppice (SRC) willow varieties, supported by the UK Government’s Biomass Feedstocks Innovation Programme. The project utilises genomic selection to accelerate breeding for improved yield and disease resistance, with willow genotypes being tested across various UK environments. Will emphasised the importance of breeding for sustainable production.

Lindsay Whistance from the Organic Research Centre (ORC) spoke on the nutritional value of tree species for livestock, underscoring the importance of a multi-species approach. She highlighted the nutritional benefits of species like willow, while cautioning against the risks posed by others, such as yew. Her insights aligned with ongoing tree trials at the Demonstrator Hubs, where willow and alder are being grown.

Simeon Day, from the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Service (FWAG) discussed the benefits of agroforestry for livestock farming. He highlighted how good planning can optimise the advantages of tree cover for both silvopasture and silvo-arable systems. He emphasized improved animal welfare, increased productivity, and enhanced ecosystem services, noting that these systems are financially supported in the Sustainable Farming Incentive ( SFI) schemes for both the planning and establishment costs.

Slides from Prof. Yit Arn Teh's informative talk on multifunctional landscapes, biomass crops, and end-uses. His talk focused on how to design farms that are multifunctional, and the benefits and trade-offs of multifunctional landscapes.

At our Newcastle Demo Event on 3rd July 2024, Prof. Jeanette Whitaker, project lead for Biomass Connect gave an overview of the Biomass Connect project, emphasising the need for more homegrown biomass feedstock for renewable energy for heat, power and transport, and other end-uses.

Slides from a recent Biomass Connect presentation by Dr. Rebecca Rowe (UKCEH) presented at the NIAB Headley Hall Demonstrator Hub on 16th May 2024 as part of the Biomass Connect demo event. The presentation outlines the SFI Biodiversity Scheme

Slides from a recent Biomass Connect presentation by Judith Ford (University of Leeds) presented at the NIAB Headley Hall Demonstrator Hub on 16th May 2024 as part of the Biomass Connect demo event.

Slides from a recent Biomass Connect presentation by Mark Needham presented at the NIAB Headley Hall Demonstrator Hub on 16th May 2024 as part of the Biomass Connect demo event.

Slides from a recent Biomass Connect presentation about the potential end-uses of biomass crops. By Jeanette Whitaker from the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology.