"Biomass can help to reduce carbon emissions in all three energy sectors - electricity generation, heat production and transport fuels. It is also the most cost effective sustainable energy source, in terms of producing heat. We need a plan of action to promote investment in these technologies. But after a full year's work, this task force has failed to come up with many new ideas.

"We needed the task force to put forward a system of revenue-based support for biomass heat, to create a level playing field with electricity. Instead, they have come back with proposals for more capital grants. The Government is already committed to a grant programme, and while this is part of the solution, it does nothing to avoid market distortions.

"The task force say they can't see how a Renewable Heat Obligation could work. But the reality is, it can be done.

Gaynor Hartnell is available for comment and to do interviews. Please contact Gaynor directly on 020 7747 1832 or .

RPA also had input into the Friends of the Earth response to this report

The Renewable Power Association (www.r-p-a.org.uk) represents producers of renewable energy across all technologies. It has some 400 members, half of whom are active in the biomass sector. The three smaller biomass trade associations have merged with the RPA over the course of this year. The RPA is the only UK trade association that represents the biomass industry.