A focal point for the community to support ambitious scaling up of the bioenergy industry and scale of planting

Demonstration and knowledge-sharing hubs to showcase best practice and innovations in land-based biomass feedstock production

Robust, independent information on biomass feedstock performance, agronomy, economics and environmental benefits

British Renewable Energy Awards

Pioneer Winner 2023

Biomass Connect has been named the winner of the prestigious Pioneer Award at the British Renewable Energy Awards.

Building a UK wide, cohesive, regionally based community to develop and operate the platform

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We produce a newsletter and other regular communication to share relevant information and the Platform’s activities.

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IPC 27th Session: Poplars and other fast-growing trees for Cimate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

Location: Bordeaux

In a world grappling with urgent challenges, the 27th Session of the International Commission on Poplars and Other Fast-Growing Trees Sustaining People and the Environment (IPC27) will bring together experts […]

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Biomass Connect and Rothamsted Research Host Successful Biomass Integration Event at North Wyke Demonstrator Hub

Despite blustery and showery weather, Biomass Connect and Rothamsted Research successfully hosted an engaging event at the North Wyke Demonstrator Hub. The event attracted 47 participants from various sectors within the emerging biomass supply chain and focused on the practical integration of biomass crops—such as willow, poplar, and Miscanthus—into farming and land management systems.

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Presentation: William Macalpine, Breeding SRC Willow Varieties

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.

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Biomass Connect: Biomass Innovation and Information Platform

Biomass is the organic material from living organisms. In the context of Biomass Connect, the term refers to non-food crops where the whole aboveground plant biomass is harvested and used for a range of purposes including heat and electricity, fuel for transport, platform chemicals, and a range of construction, packaging, and cosmetic applications. Biomass crops are fast-growing, with a high potential energy content or calorific value.

Biomass Connect is a demonstration and knowledge-sharing initiative to showcase best practice and innovations in land-based biomass feedstock production. We seek to share knowledge and experiences that can make a significant contribution to agricultural, environmental and bioenergy policy development, practical on-farm advances, and overall growth in the UK’s biomass sector. The project also compares crop/variety performance in regions across the UK and demonstrates innovations which have the potential to maximise their economic and environmental benefits.

Biomass Connect Showcase Event

showcase event

Harnessing Innovation, the Future of Biomass

Join us for our showcase event: Harnessing Innovation, the Future of Biomass on the 7th and 8th of November 2024 at The Slate, Warwick University, Warwickshire.

The event will showcase the latest innovations in biomass production and processing emerging from the Biomass Feedstocks Innovation Programme.

Confirmed speakers include: Steve Smith, Oxford University… Jeanette Whitaker, UKCEH… Enrique Cornejo, OEUK… Tim Volk, SUNY College US…  Paul Carver, New Energy Farms… Charlotte Powell, DESNZ.. Kerrie Farrar, Aberystwyth University… Kevin Lindegaard, Envirocrops… Jamie Rickerby, Willow Energy… Gail Shuttleworth, NNFCC…

Facilitated workshop sessions developing a blueprint for the future biomass industry.

Exhibition of planting machinery, aeroponics, decision support tools, breeding advances and other innovations from across the biomass supply chain.

Full programme available here.

 

All are welcome – please register to book a place. We look forward to seeing you there!

This event is free to attend thanks to support from the Biomass Feedstocks Innovation Programme.

Eight demonstration hubs are located across the UK, in Ceredigion, South Ayrshire, Buckinghamshire, Devon, Edinburgh, County Down, Northumberland and Yorkshire.

Biomass Feedstocks Innovation

£32m of funding has enabled 12 organisations, including 7 small and medium-sized enterprises, to deliver commercially viable innovations in biomass production.

Crop information

Biomass crops vary greatly in size and form, ranging from towering 30-meter trees to fast-growing grasses. While they typically demand limited inputs and minimal cultivation, specific requirements vary among different crops, soil types, and climates (the impacts of different soils and regional climate variations is one reason we have our demonstrator hub sites distributed around the UK). Explore the Crop Information section of this website for comprehensive details on biomass crops featured in the Biomass Connect trials, as well as other promising candidates. 

What’s On

Check out our diary of events and demos.

22
Oct
In a world grappling with urgent challenges, the 27th Session of the International Commission on Poplars and Other Fast-Growing Trees Sustaining People and the Environment (IPC27) will bring together experts […]
23
Oct
NEF are holding a number of Open Days in 2024 to showcase the TEMPEC project, Technologies to Enhance the Multiplication and Propagation of Energy Crops, which is part of the […]
23
Oct
Come and join us at Morley for an interactive day exploring how drill date and rate influence cover crop growth and how cover crops influence carbon storage in the soil.
What's On
News
October 17, 2024
Biomass Connect and Rothamsted Research Host Successful Biomass Integration Event at North Wyke Demonstrator Hub
Despite blustery and showery weather, Biomass Connect and Rothamsted Research successfully hosted an engaging event at the North Wyke Demonstrator Hub. The event attracted 47 participants from various sectors within the emerging biomass supply chain and focused on the practical integration of biomass crops—such as willow, poplar, and Miscanthus—into farming and land management systems.
Read more
Demonstrator Hub Updates
October 17, 2024
Headley Hall Demonstrator Hub Update – September 2024
There were a number of developments during September at Headley Hall. The SRF alder showed severe leaf damage due to beetle infestations, while SRF black locust ‘Turbo’ remained healthy despite some wind rocking as the weather worsened. SRF Eucalyptus require supports to help with tree lodging, though the trees remained largely healthy. The Poplar plots performed well, with good canopy and trunk growth and some trees showed early senescence. Miscanthus varieties experienced robust growth, and the SRC willow variety trials saw caterpillar damage in certain plots. Maintenance tasks, such as topping grass aisles and managing fencing, were also addressed to ensure continued progress.
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Demonstrator Hub Updates
October 16, 2024
Aberystwyth Demonstrator Hub Update – September 2024
The SRF and SRC plots, including Alder, Eucalyptus, and Poplar, showed varying growth patterns with some signs of senescence and pest activity, such as rust on Alder and aphids on Eucalyptus. While Miscanthus varieties demonstrated strong growth, broadleaf and grass weeds were controlled through mowing, and some Sida plants had begun flowering.
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Demonstrator Hub Updates
October 16, 2024
Chesham Demonstrator Hub Update – September 2024
At the Chesham Demonstrator hub, most crops are progressing well, with SRF Alder and Poplar both in full leaf and looking healthy. Some maintenance activities, such as staking and weed control, have been completed for SRF Eucalyptus and SRC Willow, which is growing tall and vigorous. However, some challenges have been observed, including patchy germination in Reed Canary Grass and a weedy Silphium plot. Ongoing efforts include herbicide applications, mowing, and regular monitoring to manage these issues effectively.
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