Demand for biomass is only expected to grow in the coming years, whether for biomaterials or bioenergy, while there is only a limited amount of biomass that can be produced sustainably, says John Bell, pointing to a looming 'availability gap '.
John Bell is director of 'Healthy Planet' at DG Research & Innovation of the European Commission. In his role, he leads the Commission's policy transitions in the areas of climate change, bioeconomy, food systems, environment, biodiversity, water, circular economy, oceans and the European Green Deal.
John Bell responded in writing to questions from EURACTIV.
“Studies suggest that the gap between potential demand for biomass and its sustainable supply could be as high as 40-70%. This is a real problem that can only be tackled with a holistic approach,” said John Bell, 'Healthy Planet' Director at the European Commission's DG Research & Innovation.
The following highlights emerge from the interview:
- In ten years, the EU bioeconomy strategy has evolved from a research-driven policy to a framework designed to accelerate the transformation towards a climate-neutral economy no longer dependent on fossil fuels
- There are currently 803 biorefineries in the EU, of which 363 produce liquid biofuels and 177 integrated biorefineries that combine the production of bio-based products and energy
- Demand for biomass will only increase, whether it concerns biomaterials or bioenergy, while there is now limited biomass that can be produced sustainably
- This points to a potential 'biomass availability gap' between potential biomass demand and sustainable supply, which could be as high as 40-70%
- Only advanced biofuels should be prioritized as first generation biofuels create direct competition with food crops for human consumption
- Technological solutions alone are not sufficient to guarantee the environmental integrity of biomass. That is why measures are also needed to make consumption patterns more sustainable, including changes in dietary habits
- Abolishing subsidies for the least efficient use of biomass and creating a functioning market for bio-based products should in itself reorient the use of biomass according to the so-called 'cascade principle'
Read the full interview euroactiv.com
Photos: Lisbon Council, Flickr
