Europe is taking an ambitious step towards a sustainable future with the introduction of the Clean Industrial Deal, the successor to the Green Deal. This initiative supports countries and companies in their transition to sustainability, while strengthening economic resilience and competitiveness vis-à-vis major powers such as the United States and China. With this deal, the European Commission shows that climate policy and economic growth can go hand in hand.
Bioenergy Europe calls on the European Commission to give bioenergy a central role in the Clean Industrial Deal. The organisation emphasises that biomass is an indispensable pillar for the sustainability of European industry and contributes to the energy transition.
The Clean Industrial Deal focuses on greening production processes, innovation and reducing CO2 emissions. However, according to Bioenergy Europe, bioenergy is currently insufficiently recognised as a sustainable energy source, while it offers a stable and renewable energy supply.
Bioenergy: an under-exposed key solution
Bioenergy already supplies 60% of Europe’s renewable energy and plays an important role in sectors such as steel, chemicals and cement, where high temperatures are required that are difficult to achieve with electricity alone. Moreover, bioenergy is an important substitute for fossil fuels and helps achieve Europe’s climate goals.
Bioenergy Europe points out that sustainable biomass from residual flows, forestry and agriculture is not only CO2 neutral, but also contributes to the circular economy. “We cannot afford to ignore bioenergy if we want to make serious steps in the energy transition,” the organization says.
Call to Policymakers
The sector calls on policymakers to include bioenergy in the support measures and subsidies within the Clean Industrial Deal. This would help to stimulate investments in bioenergy installations and innovative technologies. In addition, Bioenergy Europe calls for clear regulations and a level playing field, so that companies that invest in sustainable bioenergy are not disadvantaged.
With the right policy choices, bioenergy can become a driving force for a climate-neutral and competitive European industry. Bioenergy Europe continues to promote the benefits of bioenergy and advocates for an inclusive energy transition in which biomass is given a fair place.
Source: Bioenergy Europe
