Uk Biofuel Land Use April 18, 2013 12:00 am New statistics released by DEFRA show that around 1.8% of UK arable land in 2010/11 was grown for biofuel and bioenergy production; this equates to approximately 109,000 hectares. The figures show an increase of wheat used for bioethanol production, from 3,000t in 2009/10 to 581,000t in 2010/11, this has mainly been led the opening of the UK’s first bioethanol plant. The home-grown biofuel market is expected to grow over the coming years with Ensus and Vivergo plants potentially converting over 2 million tonnes of wheat if they reach full capacity. LAND USE FOR BIO-ENERGY – Source: DEFRA 08/09 09/10 10/11 Total Arable Area 5,900 5,922 5,847 Wheat –of which used for bioethanol 2,080 0 1,775 0 1,939 75 Oilseed Rape –of which used for biodiesel 598 15 570 18 642 8 Sugar beet –of which used for bioethanol 120 7 114 9 118 14 UK area used for biofuel crops 22 27 97 UK area used for bioenergy crops 36 40 109 % of UK arable area used for bioenergy 0.6% 0.7% 1.8%
