Welsh Government Launches Agricultural Diversification and Horticulture Scheme with Support for Biomass Crop Growers
November 27, 2024
The Welsh Government has launched a new Agricultural Diversification and Horticulture Scheme designed to support farmers and land managers in diversifying their agricultural activities. This initiative provides significant opportunities for those interested […]
Demonstrator Hub Update – BGI, Chesham – February 2024
March 20, 2024
As with many of the other demonstrator hubs, the BGI site in Chesham has experienced some heavy frosts with temperatures dropping to -6ºC some nights. It has also seen several named storms over the winter which damaged some of the crops. The early part of 2024 was then very wet which has limited the amount of work that could be carried out at the site as access to the plots was limited due to the ground conditions.
Demonstrator Hub Update – NIAB, Headley Hall – February 2024
March 15, 2024
The Headley Hall site has experienced some high winds over the winter, along with very wet conditions similar to those experienced at other demonstrator hubs. Generally things have been looking good during these dormant months and signs of Spring are now starting to become evident within some of the crops.
Demonstrator Hub Update – Newcastle University Cockle Park Farm – February 2024
March 15, 2024
The winter at Cockle Park Farm has been a very wet one with the occasional cold snap and frosts. Most things seem to be coping well with these frosts. General maintenance has been the order of the day during the dormant period with regular checks of the fencing and updates to the electric fence batteries. No spraying has been carried out and the ground has been too wet throughout for any machinery. The headlands have been sown with a grass/clover mix.
Demonstrator Hub Update – Rothamsted Research – North Wyke – February 2024
March 14, 2024
Generally across the North Wyke site things have been looking healthy whilst dormant over the winter. Conditions have been very wet except during cold snaps when it has been below freezing. Given the cold conditions, it could be likely that some of the less hardy varieties may not have survived.
Low Carbon Agriculture Event Showcases Biomass Innovations
March 12, 2024
The recent Low Carbon Agriculture Event held at Stoneleigh, was a busy and fruitful two days for enthusiasts and practitioners in biomass production. Attendees found the Biomass Connect stand to be a hub of technical knowledge, courtesy of the dedicated Biomass Connect knowledge exchange team.
Event Report: Western Bio Energy Industry Stakeholders Visit “Field to Furnace.”
February 29, 2024
Date: February 22nd, 2024 Location: Western Bio Energy Plant, Port Talbot A cohort of industry stakeholders from Wales and England, comprising potential growers, consultants, farming union representatives, researchers, plant breeders, […]
Deploying Purpose-Grown Energy Crops for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Workshop: Summary Report
February 22, 2024
The Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) workshop, organised by the Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), convened various stakeholders from industry, government bodies, DOE national laboratories, academia, and more. Its focus was on devising a research strategy for cultivating purpose-grown biomass energy crops at a large scale to supply feedstocks for biofuels and bioproducts.
Biomass Connect in the NFU British Farmer & Grower Magazine
February 21, 2024
Check out our 'Fuelling the path to Net Zero' article in this month's NFU British Farmer & Grower Magazine.Read how Biomass Connect unites organisations from across the UK with our Demonstrator Hubs and the BFI innovation projects, "forming a collaborative force with the aim of providing robust and independent information to support growers that plan to adopt these novel crops, and supporting the industry sector as it develops."
PBC4GGR Proof of Concept Grants – Call for Proposals
February 14, 2024
The Perennial Biomass Crops for Greenhouse Gas Removal (PBC4GGR) project is offering proof of concept grants for projects up to 9 months in duration, and with a total value not exceeding £50,000. Projects should address key knowledge gaps in perennial biomass crops.
Latest Information Resources
Miscanthus for Livestock Bedding Factsheet
A double-sided factsheet with nformation about a project growing Miscanthus as animal bedding on one side, and some general Miscanthus facts and growing, establishment and harvesting information on the other side.Miscanthus for Animal Bedding and Miscanthus - A factsheet.
Type: Factsheet
Date: December 2024
Crop: Miscanthus
Keywords:
Growers Story: Eucalyptus and the Frost Challenge
This case study explores the problems faced by the Bodsworth's in a Eucalyptus plantation in Wales due to frost damage.
In a bid to explore biomass production for household heating and as a potential revenue stream, David and Susan Bodsworth of Tanllan Farm, Llangeitho, are keen to share their experiences with the farming community.
The Bodsworths’ story at Tanllan Farm highlights some of the challenges faced by farmers seeking to diversify into biomass production. David commented that although the Eucalyptus tree has a great potential for producing biomass, perhaps the location of his site was not entirely suitable.
Type: Case Study
Date: 12th December 2024
Crop: Eucalyptus
Keywords: Growsers Story, Eucalyptus
Presentation: Erisa Senerdem, Unlocking Agricultural Biomass Potential: Lessons from Forestry and Global Market Insights.
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.
Type: Presentation
Date: November 2024
Crop: All Biomass Crops
Keywords: Biomass Connect Showcase
Presentation: Steve Smith, Carbon dioxide removal – the state of play and the global scale up challenge.
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.
Type: Presentation
Date: November 2024
Crop: All Biomass Crops
Keywords: Biomass Connect Showcase
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