As of November 11, Bioenergy Europe’s calculations show that the European Union could rely on bioenergy alone for the remaining 49 days of 2025. This milestone underlines the growing contribution of sustainable bioenergy to Europe’s clean energy transition, a sector capable of supporting small communities and capital cities alike on the path to climate neutrality and energy independence. 

Across the Union, bioenergy is the quiet engine behind local progress, powering homes, hospitals, schools, and industries with renewable, homegrown energy. It shows that Europe’s transition to net zero is not an abstract goal, but a tangible reality built from the ground up. 

From Local Innovation to National Resilience 

From Portugal to Austria, from Italy’s Alpine valleys to Finland’s district heating networks, bioenergy is reshaping how communities think about energy. Each project reflects a shared idea: that no challenge is too small or too big when it comes to making the shift to renewables. 

In Odorheiu Secuiesc (Romania), a hybrid network combining biomass and solar ensures reliable heat for residents. In Vernante (Italy), local wood resources are keeping a mountain village warm while preserving its environment. In Spain, bioenergy supports sustainable tourism by providing clean, locally sourced heat while preventing forest fires. 

Further east, many producers are proving how family businesses and local industries can drive rural economies while supplying clean energy. Meanwhile, in urban centres across Central Europe, bioenergy district heating networks are providing affordable warmth to tens of thousands of households. 

Together, these stories form a single European narrative: local action and industrial innovation can meet to create a cleaner, more independent energy future. 

The Foundation of Europe’s Renewable System 

Today, bioenergy remains the largest source of renewable energy in the EU, supplying over 80% of renewable heating and supporting more than half a million jobs, particularly in rural and regional areas. It helps balance Europe’s energy system, offering stable, dispatchable energy that complements variable renewables like solar and wind. 

With the upcoming EU Heating and Cooling Strategy, bioenergy’s contribution has the potential to become even more relevant. Heating represents nearly half of the EU’s total energy demand, and bioenergy already provides sustainable, affordable heat to millions of citizens and thousands of businesses. 

By integrating bioenergy into modern, hybrid systems, combining it with solar, geothermal, and heat pumps, Europe can ensure that its heating transition is resilient, inclusive, and secure. 

A Shared European Milestone 

Bioenergy Day 2025 is a celebration of European innovation and cooperation of communities and industries that transform local resources into clean energy. From small producers to city-scale networks, bioenergy demonstrates that every effort matters in building a sustainable future. 

Europe’s energy transition is not limited by size or geography. Thanks to bioenergy, no challenge is too small, no city too big.