As the UK strives to increase its level of renewables based power generation, the contribution that biomass makes and could make in the future is examined. The role of power generation from biomass in reducing greenhouse gas emissions is evaluated, alongside an evaluation of the wider environmental, social and economic impacts of increasing the level of bioenergy in the UK. Progress with implementation of biomass projects is compared to UK national targets and the policy support framework is critically examined, with recommendations regarding future support mechanisms. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.