Biomass, but better - why BECCS is a bankable solution for net zero

Biomass has long been debated in the UK’s energy transition, but the conversation is shifting. With bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), biomass is no longer just a renewable energy source. It becomes a climate-positive technology with real financial and environmental value.

For businesses and investors, BECCS investment in the UK is more than viable. It’s a bankable opportunity.

The financial case for BECCS investment in the UK As the global race to net zero accelerates, and the UK works towards its legally binding targets, the demand for high-quality carbon removals is growing. The government is rolling out incentives through the Net Zero Strategy and Powering up Britain plan, while businesses face increasing pressure to decarbonise. Investors are looking for scalable solutions that offer long-term value, and BECCS investment in the UK is emerging as a critical part of that landscape.

Unlike traditional biomass, which simply displaces fossil fuels, BECCS goes further. By capturing and storing emissions underground, it creates a net-negative emissions profile. This ability to actively remove carbon - not just reduce it - makes BECCS an essential tool in credible net zero strategies, and a valuable asset in the maturing UK carbon market.

Carbon capture in the UK is gaining momentum, and carbon credits have historically been seen as a compliance cost. But the market is evolving. With demand for verifiable carbon removals outstripping supply, high-quality credits are becoming strategic assets. BECCS-based removals offer a rare combination of regulatory alignment, corporate sustainability benefits and financial upside.

The missing piece of the UK’s net zero puzzle The UK’s energy transition demands solutions that deliver both sustainability and stability. BECCS investment offers both. It supports renewable energy security while providing permanent carbon removals, making it an indispensable tool for businesses and policymakers navigating the net zero challenge.

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The UK government has already committed to deploying carbon capture at scale, announcing up to £21.7 billion over 25 years to support the initial deployment of Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage (CCUS) clusters.

BECCS is integrating with clusters like HyNet, to provide a reliable feedstock for carbon removal and ensuring that carbon capture doesn’t just reduce emissions but actively delivers negative emissions at scale. With corporate interest growing and policy frameworks evolving, BECCS investment in the UK should quickly move from an emerging technology to a key pillar of the UK’s net zero strategy.

A strategic opportunity for businesses and investors Carbon reduction alone is not enough to reach net zero. Permanent removals are essential, and BECCS delivers them while also creating long-term financial opportunities. With the right market mechanisms and investment, it is set to become a cornerstone of the UK’s net zero economy.

For businesses and investors looking for both environmental impact and economic return, the message is clear biomass, when combined with BECCS, isn’t just better - it’s essential.