Biomass electricity will produce more than 70% greenhouse gas savings compared to fossil fuel alternatives, under changes made by the government to ensure the sustainability of wood-fuel used to create energy.

From April 2015, the biomass industry – which is worth more than £1bn in new investment and supports over 3,000 jobs – will be required to demonstrate their fuel is sustainable or lose financial support.

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Greg Barker, Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change, said: "The Coalition is committed to delivering clean, affordable and secure energy for consumers.

"This includes an important role for biomass power as part of the UK's energy mix.

"The new criteria will provide the necessary investor certainty and, crucially, ensure that the biomass is delivered in a transparent and sustainable way."

The tough new criteria for sustainable forest management are based on a range of issues such as:

• sustainable harvesting rates

• biodiversity protection

• land use rights for indigenous populations.

Organisations who do not comply with the new requirements could see financial support withheld.

(CD/JP)