Market study of coffee logs and other new and emerging fuels

Tender description

This proposed study is a first step in the review of these new and emerging fuels. Domestic combustion using wood as a fuel accounted for 38 per cent of primary emissions of PM2.5 in 2019 (with all emissions from domestic burning accounting for 43 per cent of PM2.5 emissions), based on the best available data. The Authority knows there is uncertainty about this data, given the difficulties in accurately estimating the extent and nature of domestic burning, and we are working to reduce this uncertainty. The Authority (Defra) want to find out the share and size of the market for coffee logs and other emerging waste-based fuels (such as olive logs) and to know the market trends, e.g., is the market share increasing? If so, what are the drivers? Is this because of the 2020 domestic fuels legislation, and to what extent? How rapidly is any growth in market share taking place? This will help in understanding the scale of the issue, and whether it is proportionate to commission further research into emissions from these fuels when combusted with a view to introducing appropriate regulations. The Authority is aware that, since the new measures were introduced, lignite is starting to be sold as a fuel for domestic burning. The new requirements do not apply to lignite, and concerns have been raised that this is a highly polluting form of coal. The Authority are also looking for information about the size of the market (and trends and their response to the new requirements) for this fuel, and any other emerging fuels such as pet coke, to see whether research into these fuels and possible new standards is proportionate.