Alan Beesley, ALPS Ecoscience’s Commercial Director has been appointed Chair of The Supergen Bioenergy Hub Advisory Board. The Supergen Bioenergy Hub (SBH) works with academia, industry, government and societal stakeholders to develop sustainable bioenergy systems that support the UK’s transition to an affordable, resilient, low-carbon energy future.
The Hub is funded jointly by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and is part of the wider Supergen Programme. The Hub is based at Aston University under the direction of Professor Patricia Thornley, and management is undertaken by the Project Management Group, which includes all research project leads. The Supergen Bioenergy Hub began its latest UKRI-funded four-year term on 1 November 2023. The focus of this phase of work will be on delivering impact.
The Vision for UK Bioenergy Research
The vision of the Supergen Bioenergy Hub is to enable and stimulate the development of a sustainable UK bioenergy sector.
The overall aim of the Hub is to develop sustainable bioenergy systems that support the UK’s transition to a sustainable, affordable and resilient low-carbon energy future. This is supported through the Hub’s whole-system research approach that encompasses all aspects of bioenergy expertise to identify pathways for delivering bioenergy with wider social, economic and environmental benefits. The work programme covers the full chain of biomass and bioenergy, including research on biomass resources, pre-treatment and conversion technologies, energy vectors and bio-based products, and whole systems analysis.
The SBH objectives are to:
- Incubate new research concepts to identify commercial potential;
- Diffuse knowledge from UK research to effectively support deployment;
- Use UK research knowledge and capability to create an appropriate enabling environment for sustainable bioenergy deployment.
The Hub’s research also includes the development of innovative bioenergy technologies through the different technology readiness levels (TRLs) in order to deliver cost-effective, efficient and sustainable energy. The academics support policy and industry in identifying and characterising sustainable bioenergy systems that can be prioritised to provide power, heat, liquid and gaseous fuels, and value-added chemicals.
Thoughts on UK biomass strategy
As part of his role as an advisor to the Supergen Bioenergy Hub, Alan Beesley was recently invited to share his thoughts on bioenergy for the next parliament. In his wishlist for the next UK Government, Alan Beesley, Chair of the Supergen Bioenergy Hub Advisory Board, emphasises the immense potential of biomass in the UK for energy generation and sustainable materials. He argues that the fear of being too successful, which stems from concerns about resource depletion and environmental impact, is hindering the full exploitation of biomass resources. This caution leads to missed opportunities and stifles the entrepreneurial spirit necessary to harness biomass effectively.
Beesley highlights the current landscape of biomass, noting that it includes resources like agricultural residues, forestry by-products, and waste. These resources can significantly reduce the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions. However, regulatory uncertainties and lack of investment are major obstacles. He calls for a mindset shift towards embracing uncertainty and learning by doing, suggesting that initial efforts, even if imperfect, can provide valuable insights and pave the way for greater advancements.
Beesley concludes by discussing the broader benefits of overcoming the fear of success in biomass utilisation. A thriving biomass industry could create jobs, boost rural economies, and position the UK as a leader in renewable energy. Sustainable practices and technological innovations can address concerns about resource depletion. He advocates for government support, clear policies, and public-private partnerships to foster a culture of experimentation and resilience, ultimately turning challenges into opportunities for economic and environmental gains.
The full blog is published here.
