Table 7 Gap Analysis of the CAT Zero Carbon Britain 2030 Scenarios [8]

Land Availability

Land used entirely for second generation energy crops.

Extremely ambitious domestic UK land turn over for bioenergy crops.

Increased yields are desirable, but not as critical as in other studies.

Land use change

Argues that effects of land use change will be positive – despite backing for supporting research. This is quite a significant oversimplification that requires further elaboration.

Socio-economic factors

Large lifestyle changes in terms of the reduction of meat and dairy consumption – considered unavoidable.

Driver behind changes assumed to be high ‘carbon prices’.

A simplifying statement that requires more consideration of potential public resistance to changes, as well as incentives for suppliers (e.g., farmers).

Conversion Technologies

Fischer Tropsch synthesis, lignocellulosic bioethanol, and pyrolysis identified as key technologies for future.

Success of scenario is heavily dependent on development of these technologies. Highly optimistic given the 2030 timeframe.

Bioenergy Imports

Impacts of unsustainable bioenergy production abroad are minimized by heavily restricting (i.e., eliminating) imports.

Modest imports are likely to be necessary given pressure on UK domestic resources – to completely restrict bioenergy imports is arguably unrealistic.