Bioenergy explained
Bioenergy is part of sustainable forest management and relies on established synergies with the timber industry. Together they help maintain the resilience of forests. The woodworking industry uses high-quality wood for the production of furniture and other wood-based products. Sustainable bioenergy in turn uses residual materials and wood that are not suitable for the wood processing industry. This can include warped or pest-infected wood, residues from forest management activities and by-products from high-quality timber production. By creating a market for these raw materials, bioenergy makes sustainable forest management practices economically viable and strengthens forest health.
Looking at the development of bioenergy over the past two decades, statistics show that bioenergy consumption has increased by 135%, while the share of wood fuel disposal has remained constant. Overall, the EU's forest stock has grown, increasing its carbon stock.
Bioenergy is an integral part of a sustainable future because:
- it provides energy security
- it promotes rural development
- it contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
- it increases the resilience of the forest
Source: bioenergyeurope.org
