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.
😊Very excited to continue this collaboration!
RT @BecoopH2020: Did you know? #EUawarenesscampaign 🧑🤝🧑🔋Energy communities: what are they? 👉Which challenges do they face? 👉 Which s…
📢 Tune in this Thursday! 🗓 26-Jan 🕒15:00 - 17:00 Our webinar will focus on the European Commission's latest proposal for the first 🇪🇺-wide voluntary framework for the certification of high-quality #carbonremoval 👉Registration: https://t.co/H3HBHY29Hr
@ForestDefence @irenedipadua We do need sound sustainability criteria to make sure the environment and our forests are protected. These criteria are already the strictest in place and also need to consider socio-economic factors. Our door is always open if you like to discuss this more in-depth.
🙌 Today it was a full house at #CEBC2023! We would like to congratulate the organisers on a successful second day and are delighted to have attended today's sessions! Our Secretary General, Jean-Marc Jossart, shared his perspective on #bioenergy in the #GreenDeal. 🌲 https://t.co/kq4T846Fht
RT @IEABioenergy: Whatever #sustainability paths are chosen, modern bioenergy will be part of the picture. The work of more than 200 expert…
Wrapping up the day was scientist Hubert Röder presenting some insightful info: 🌿Unmanaged forests will reach saturation by 2050-60 at latest; sustainably managed forests perform better 🌿Mixed forests in Europe ensure forest resilience #sustainableforestry #EPF2023 #CEBC2023 https://t.co/A1BER1TlaJ
What a successful 1⃣ edition of #EPF2023, taking place in conjunction with #CEBC2023! 👩🏫In the context of REDIII, our Policy Director highlighted that we need 🔸sound sustainably criteria 🔸local & sustainable solutions to increase Europe's independence from foreign fossil fuels https://t.co/xYJqQpHDsQ
📢 Join our webinar! 🗓 26-Jan 🕒15:00 - 17:00 We will focus on the European Commission's latest proposal for the first 🇪🇺-wide voluntary framework for the certification of high-quality #carbonremoval 👉Registration: https://t.co/kN1OLtP4rF
📢 1 day to go! 📢 The first European Pellet Forum opens its doors tomorrow! We hope you'll be there with us when our Policy Director @irenedipadua will share her views on the ongoing policy discussions concerning #bioenergy. 🎫 Get your ticket here: https://t.co/rLGz7MpSYa
RT @gustavmelin: An over-belief in electrification is harming the climate @IATA @Transportft @transenv @AlarikSandr…
RT @bertrandpiccard: I’m inspired. I spent yesterday morning with renewable energy and energy efficiency associations in Brussels. If Eur…
📢Our final 2022 Statistical Report on Landscape is out now! 💡With key insights into 🇪🇺 energy sources, energy production and consumption, biomass trade and sector employment Read More👉 Supported by @valmetglobal & @SGS_SA https://t.co/82HpVf7P93
⏳Last chance to register for the 2022 Statistical Reports: The Overview #webinar where the most relevant statistics on #bioelectricity, #bioheat and the #pellet sector in the #EU will be presented! 📅 When? 👉 Tomorrow at 16:00 CET Join us👉 https://t.co/qiQ8vbQJDw
📢Register today for the 1st edition of the brand new European Pellet Forum! 📅 When? 👉18 January 2023 📍 Where? 👉Graz, Austria Join us 👉 https://t.co/bx576EBhVZ