What do YOU think of when you hear the term bioenergy?
Asking people across Europe what bioenergy is often raises more questions than it solves – and this is understandable!
Today, bioenergy represents the largest renewable energy source in the EU – covering 57,4% of the EU’s renewable energy mix. It is a versatile and flexible energy type. In fact, bioenergy is the only renewable energy source (RES) that can provide for the three main sources of energy needed in both private households and industry: heating, power generation and transportation. Bioenergy is mainly produced from local biomass (import dependency being below 4% for the whole sector), and it generates a considerable economic growth and jobs (more than 800.000 jobs!)
Despite its widely-recognised role in fostering EU climate-neutral transition, the bioenergy industry and its complex value-chain encompass a wide range of products and conversion processes. In fact, bioenergy is a term that can have different meanings for describing various feedstock and uses. Woody biomass, agricultural biomass, energy crops, biofuels, bioheat, biopower, solid biomass, bioliquids and biogas, are all different subcategories of the bioenergy sector. In addition, technological progress regularly generates new feedstocks and appliances – enriching the field of bioenergy with neologisms.
To better understand and assess the role of bioenergy in the EU’s energy transition, it is essential to properly define the terms used in the sector in a straightforward way. This page will guide you through the key facts, main concepts and applications of bioenergy.
Bioenergy – a versatile and flexible energy source
Bioenergy is the only renewable energy source that can provide for the three main sectors of energy needed in both private households and industry: heating, power generation and transport.
These three sectors are still heavily reliant on fossil fuels. According to the latest EUanalysis, bioenergy has the potential to significantly increase within the limits of a sustainably available biomass.
Bioenergy comes in all shapes and sizes
More than any other renewable energy, bioenergy covers a wide range of feedstocks and conversion technologies.
Organic materials such as plants, algae and organic wastes can be valuable fuels as soon as technology makes it possible to efficiently extract all of their energy potential. We refer to biomass when describing these usable feedstocks.
Biomass currently being used in Europe includes wood from forests, agricultural crops and residues, by-products of the wood and agricultural industries, herbaceous and woody energy crops, and municipal organic waste and manure. Future potential lies with algae and marine biomass.
Biomass & EU forests
In 2019, 70% of the bioenergy consumed in Europe was sourced from forests. Among all biomass materials, wood has always been the most popular source of energy in Europe. Forests are also a key habitat for biodiversity and act as a carbon sink.
Biomass Processing
Bioenergy is one of the most reliable forms of clean energy being adopted by companies, municipalities and households all across Europe today. This section offers a brief overview of the specific processes and technologies:
Sustainable bioenergy: a flexible renewable energy source and the key to the EU climate and energy transition
Bioenergy’s contribution to the EU’s renewable energy objectives is crucial. By 2020, bioenergy was expected to contribute to half of the EU’s 20% renewable energy target. In fact, bioenergy exceeded this target and currently contributes wih 57,4% to the total renewable energy mix. In 2020, bioenergy consumption in EU-27 reached 139.277 kilotonnes of oil equivalent which is more than double the consumption in 2000.
About the campaign
The campaign is powered by Bioenergy Europe and relayed across Europe by both national and international partners supporting the belief that bioenergy is more than a renewable energy source, it is also a reliable path that will lead Europe to achieve its renewable energy transition in the shortest span of time.
RT @ABClimate: Today, the #EuropeanNetZeroAlliance met @MEP_Ehler to discuss the #NZIA💪 #Cleantechs are part of an integrated #ecosystem f…
RT @BecoopH2020: 📰We love to share! In March, the BECoop team was led by our Italian partners #fiper and #SEV for a tour of Northern Itali…
Featuring our very own @ReinemannB!
📄The #CircularChoices coalition has outlined its vision for the European #bioeconomy's future in an op-ed published by @EURACTIV👉 #bioenergy #biomass #sustainability #forests #netzero #energy #renewables #carbonneutral #recycling #forestmanagement https://t.co/AKHdO8seBt
@AgroMobility Bioenergy represents 8,5% of the total fuel inputs for electricity generation + 33% of renewable inputs!
🌍🐦🌱Happy International Day for Biological Diversity! 🌲Today and every day, sustainable #forest management ensures that #biodiversity is protected for future generations. We remain committed to #sustainability and habitat preservation. #BuildBackBiodiversity #BiodiversityDay https://t.co/k6dnW57yfo
🌲Where have pellet companies, #wood producers, biomass organisations and #technology companies come together to discuss #decarbonisation + #energysecurity + all things #biomass? 📍At the International Biomass Congress and Expo in #Brussels! 💚Thanks go to @BioenergyInfo! https://t.co/YyyHhTOdjL
A timely and useful exchange!
RT @SmartCHP2020: 👉 Will you be at the @EUBCE conference next month? If you're interested in #bioenergy & #CHP don't miss this free parall…
📍Happening now in Valladolid, Spain: @EXPOBIOMASA! 👏Our thanks to the organisers @AVEBIOM and BIOLIZA Estrategias en Biomasa for putting together this wonderful opportunity. #bioenergy #biomass #biomasa #sustainability #ETS #decarbonisation #energy #innovation https://t.co/qSspWuX8A3
💡Keynotes, presentations, panel discussions, Q&As, interviews + live podcasts - what's not to like? We are happy to be there, together with @CENER_Energia and @AFRY_global!📍
💡#DYK that 74% of all #bioelectricity in the #EU is produced in CHP units which provide #heating to local households - as opposed to only 29% of fossil fuel use? 📄Discover our 2023 Statistical Report on Bioelectricity👉 #electricity #bioenergy #biomass https://t.co/28zL2IvJVV
Our very own @irenedipadua!
RT @EURACTIVjobsite: NEW JOB OPPORTUNITY: @bioenergyEU is looking for an Administrative Assistant based in Brussels. Apply now! https://t.c…
📢Our 2023 Statistical Report on Bioelectricity is out now! 💡With key insights into which fuels we use + what the #carbonfootprint from #electricity generation is in various countries + and much more! 👉 #bioelectricity #bioenergy #biomass #renewables https://t.co/LakiOFj6Ot