Established in May 2021, Perennial Biomass Crops for Greenhouse Gas Removal (PBC4GGR) is led by Aberystwyth University in partnership with the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Rothamsted Research, the Countryside and Community Research Institute, and the University of Aberdeen. PBC4GGR is one of a group of five UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funded projects investigating different greenhouse gas removal (GGR) approaches. Funding for this scheme is from UKRI via the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

The PBC4GGR Flexibility Funds – Proof of Concept Awards seek to encourage and support projects that will fill knowledge gaps in the sphere of perennial biomass crops and their role in GGR. Priority will be given to projects that have clear potential for further funding or have a route to commercial translation. This 2025 call is the final call for this scheme.

Although urgent reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are required across all sectors of the economy, it is recognised that some sectors are unlikely to be able to reduce their emissions to zero. There is therefore a need to offset these emissions by using GGR technologies. One such technology is biomass energy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). PBC4GGR is investigating the potential for plants (eg willow and miscanthus) to support BECCS in the UK. The aim is to demonstrate novel establishment techniques that maximise yield while minimising greenhouse gas emissions, and provide an up to date quantification of the scope for GGR.

Proof of concept studies are required regarding other perennial biomass crops that are suited to UK growing conditions and could contribute to the overall aim of GGR in the UK. Proposals are encouraged that address crossovers between perennial biomass crops and other GGR approaches in the programme (ie afforestation, biochar, accelerated peat formation and enhanced rock weathering) as well as the wider GGR landscape, including policy and regulation.

The scheme is open to higher education institutions, research council institutes and independent research organisations in the UK that are normally eligible for UKRI funding. Standard BBSRC eligibility rules apply. Collaboration across organisations is encouraged as long as it will be beneficial to the delivery of a project. Businesses cannot be funded directly, but projects with business partners are encouraged.

For this final call, there is a total budget of £250,000 (100% FEC) and the intention is to fund two to three projects. There is no minimum or maximum value for awards. Awards will be at 80% FEC. Projects must take place between 1 July 2025 and 31 March 2026.

(This Bulletin article was the subject of a ResearchConnect news alert.)