Bioenergy - draft policy statement: consultation

Annex D – Types of perennial energy crops

When we refer to perennial energy crops, we primarily mean the following:

Short Rotation Forestry (SRF)

Short Rotation Forestry (SRF) uses fast growing species of trees on rotations of 8 to 20 years (depending on species and site) to produce wood specifically for bioenergy. SRF plantations can be established on marginal arable land, permanent grassland and rough grazing. There are currently only trial plots of SRF in Scotland.

Short Rotation Coppice (SRF)

Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) includes willow (or poplar) grown using a short rotation coppice (SRC) technique, where trees are cut down to stumps and allowed to grow again from their base. Once planted SRC takes up to four years to reach maturity, after which it is harvested at regular intervals - typically four years for willow SRC. After about 20 to 25 years the crop is removed.

Miscanthus

Miscanthus is a woody grass, which after it has matured (2 years), is harvested every year. Miscanthus can serve multiple uses, such as livestock bedding, before becoming a feedstock for AD.