The importance of local involvement in the sensitive development of biomass

Renewable energy has the potential to be the foundation for energy supply in the 21st century. Clean, local, diverse and secure, renewable energy technologies can contribute to a sustainable energy strategy and help us meet international obligations on environmental protection. However, all energy-generating projects have some impact on the environment and concerns exist about some aspects of biomass production and use. In order for a successful and sustainable renewable energy industry to become established in the UK, it is necessary for renewable projects such as energy crops to be developed in an appropriate and sensitive way, with the full involvement of local communities. This paper will examine this issue, with reference to the work of Friends of the Earth in communities around the country. (Author)