Biomass Research Programme

Descriptions

DESNZ is seeking to procure a contractor to provide research services for a four-year Biomass Research Programme. The programme will advance scientific understanding of the role and potential of biomass and bioenergy in supporting climate change mitigation, enhancing energy security, and de-risking the delivery of net zero.

It will include research on:

Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of biomass feedstocks and bioenergy systems

Biomass availability and demand across sectors

Sustainability criteria and environmental impacts

Co-benefits and trade-offs including biodiversity, air and water quality

Economic modelling of biomass-derived fuels and materials

The bioeconomy and its potential for growth and decarbonisation

The following skills and expertise are considered particularly important for this work:

Geospatial modelling

Spatial data analysis

Modelling climate scenarios

Scientific research

Scientific analysis

Policy development

Economic research

The project will additionally require strong project management capability to support the delivery of this research.

Outputs are likely to include:

Reports, policy briefings, and technical annexes

Updated models (e.g. UK & Global Bioenergy Resource Model)

Seminars, workshops, and teach-ins

Data sets and scenario analyses to inform policy decisions

The programme will be delivered through seven work packages (WP), covering:

WP1: Programme Management

WP2: Biomass Lifecycle Analysis

WP3: Feedstock Availability

WP4: Biomass Feedstocks for Industry

WP5: Biomass Sustainability Framework (with co-benefits & trade-offs)

WP6: Analyses of the Bioeconomy

WP7: A Flexible Fund for emerging evidence needs

DESNZ is holding a supplier event on MS Teams on 13.01.2026, consisting of a presentation by DESNZ followed by Q&A.