The Rail Freight Group has called on the Office of Rail Regulation not to proceed with proposals to increase charges paid for the moving of biomass by rail, arguing that it would price traffic off rail and undermine the case for biomass generation in the UK.
In its ‘Consultation on a freight specific charge for biomass’ the ORR proposes to increase charges during the next control period from April 2014.
Maggie Simpson, RFG executive director, said: “Biomass is an important new market for rail freight and, with coal volumes set to decline, it is vital to the rail operators long-term business. It will also protect and create new jobs, and encourage investment. ORR must commit to supporting this sector, by not applying this increased charge, and by ensuring that its policies are aligned with Government energy policy.”
