Ministers bullish on biomass fuel

The UK government says energy from crops, trees and waste can play a key role in meeting targets on renewable power and cutting CO2 emissions.

Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks believes the sector is vital if the goal of renewable power providing 20% of UK electricity by 2020 is to be achieved.

Only about 1% of UK electricity currently comes from biomass sources.

Mr Wicks, speaking at the launch of the biomass action plan, says a full review will be published in the next year.