On 12 April, the Council of the European Union adopted the overhaul of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). This new version of the legislation will promote renovation and encourage the replacement of old inefficient fossil fuels boilers with on-site renewables, including biomass. Bioenergy Europe considers the new EPBD is a good step forward in phasing…
Last month, the US Department of Energy (DOE) updated its cornerstone study on the availability of sustainable biomass concluding “More than 1 billion tons of biomass production capacity is identified nationally, while meeting projected demands for food, feed, fiber, and exports.” The report covers a range of possible feedstocks, not just woody biomass. At the…
18 European organisations released a call to action urging the European Commission and Member States to prioritise heating and cooling decarbonisation in the upcoming legislative mandate. “To deliver on the 2040 target we need to boost renewables and de-fossilize our energy system. The EU should have a strong strategy to phase out fossil fuels. De-fossilizing…
Covestro is moving forward with the implementation of a unique process for producing the important chemical aniline entirely based on plant biomass instead of petroleum for the first time. At its Leverkusen site, the plastics manufacturer has now put a special pilot plant into operation for this purpose. Initially, large quantities of bio-based aniline will…
Globally there is increased demand for sustainable energy solutions as well as an increasing range of bioproducts. This is driving an increased demand for biomass. As these markets grow, mature biomass producers will shift from primarily seeking out economically viable market options to seeking to access the highest value market their biomass resource is suitable…
The climate policy of the European Union (EU) is among some of the most well-developed in the world. However, with that depth comes complexity which inevitably leads to misunderstanding. One of the most misunderstood points is the “zero-emissions” factor that sustainable wood-based biomass receives in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU-ETS). This means that the…
In June, EU citizens will head to the polls in elections for the European Parliament. These elections mark the end of the current Commission’s term in office with the “Green Deal” as its undisputed legacy. But what can we expect from the next Commission? The process for deciding what a new Commission should focus on…
New paper published in the Journal of Cleaner Production, based on a study carried out in the frame of IEA Bioenergy Task 43 (Biomass Supply). The sustainability of biomass supply chains is a controversially debated topic, especially given their important role in the growing bioeconomy. The use of biomass, in its different forms, has impacts…
Bioenergy Europe warmly welcomes the European Commission’s Communication on the 2040 climate targets. A 90% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is the right response to the ever-growing threat of climate change and the bioenergy sector is ready to step up and contribute to its achievement. Achieving the objectives set by the Commission will require a herculean…
The Commission is charting the path to reach the goal of making the European Union climate neutral by 2050. It recommends a 90% net greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 2040 compared to 1990 levels, which is in line with recent scientific advice and the EU’s commitments under the Paris Agreement. The following actions will be needed to achieve…
