Bioenergy Europe warmly welcomes the European Commission's communication on the 2040 climate targets. A 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is the right response to the ever-increasing threat of climate change and the bioenergy sector is ready to take a to go one step further and contribute to its realization.
Achieving the Commission's objectives will require a major boost from the European Union in all sectors. Today, sustainable bioenergy is already the most important source of renewable energy in Europe, especially for heating. A pragmatic approach combined with robust policy implementation and broad cooperation between Member States and stakeholders will be essential.
Bioenergy technologies are manufactured in the EU and use local resources, making bioenergy an indispensable ally to increase Europe's resilience. “The ambition is commendable”, says Jean-Marc Jossart, Secretary General of Bioenergy Europe, “but the communication lacks a clear emphasis on the need to increase the EU's resilience. Europe can lead the way to a more sustainable future by relying more on its own resources and on reliable partners.”
“Bioenergy Europe welcomes the clear and ambitious objectives in the Commission's communication. Now is the time for actions that follow intentions and establish a clear exit strategy for fossil fuels”, said Irene di Padua, policy director at Bioenergy Europe. “As has been demonstrated in recent decades, energy from solid biomass has the ability to sustainably replace fossil fuels and is expected to continue to do so in the future”.
Renewable energy and carbon removal technologies will be needed to achieve the 2040 target. Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) is the perfect example of linking renewable energy production to carbon dioxide removal. The European Commission Communication “Towards an Ambitious Industrial Carbon Management for the EU” marks a pivotal moment in shaping the future of carbon reduction strategies.
“Bioenergy Europe welcomes the Commission's emphasis on industrial carbon removal. Financial incentives will be needed for their use.”, says Ennio Prizzi, policy officer at Bioenergy Europe. “It is also encouraging that the EU is exploring ways to create a compliance market. A successful implementation of the strategy will require international cooperation, cross-border transport, warehousing and technological transfer.”
Photo: press conference screenshot
Source: https://bioenergyeurope.org/
