Europe potentially has sufficient capacity to meet a large part of its own demand for renewable energy and bio-based raw materials. This is evident from a recent analysis reported by Hernieuwbarebrandstoffen.nl. The outcome provides more direction regarding the role of biomass within the energy transition.
The discussion regarding biomass often focuses on availability. The analysis reveals a different picture. It is not the quantity that is decisive, but the way in which biomass is utilized within the energy system and industry.
Shift towards targeted deployment
In the scenarios, biomass shifts to applications where alternatives are limited. Particularly in aviation, shipping, and parts of the chemical industry, there remains a need for energy carriers and raw materials that are difficult to electrify.
At the same time, the role of biomass is declining in applications where electrification is possible. Consider electricity production and low-temperature heat. In those segments, electric solutions are becoming increasingly dominant, making biomass available for other applications.
This shift fits within a broader development in European policy. Biomass is increasingly viewed not as a general replacement for fossil energy, but as a scarce resource that must be deployed in a targeted manner.
Residual streams as a foundation
The analysis emphasizes the use of residual streams. Agricultural residues, waste wood, and other by-products form the basis of the available potential. These streams have the advantage of placing less pressure on land use and food production.
In addition, consideration is being given to utilizing marginal lands. These are areas that are less suitable for agriculture but offer opportunities for biomass cultivation. This allows the supply to be increased without direct competition with food.
At the same time, practice remains challenging. Availability varies significantly by region and depends on local conditions, regulations, and acceptance. This makes it difficult to translate theoretical potential one-to-one into actual production.
Increasing role in chemistry
Within the industry, attention is shifting towards bio-based raw materials as a carbon source. While energy use is electrifying in many sectors, the demand for carbon remains for materials, plastics, and fuels.
Bio-based raw materials offer an alternative to fossil raw materials here. This makes them relevant for the sustainability of the chemical industry. At the same time, this application requires a continuous and large-scale supply, which puts pressure on available volumes.
The development of this market is already visible in investments in biorefining and bio-based chemistry. The analysis confirms that this direction continues to gain importance within Europe.
Limits to self-sufficiency
Although the analysis shows that Europe can go a long way in meeting the demand for bio-based raw materials itself, there are clear preconditions. The deployment must be selective and tailored to sectors where biomass has the most value.
International trade also continues to play a role. Not all types of biomass or bio-based raw materials are available in sufficient quantities in Europe or can be produced at competitive costs.
In addition, sustainability requirements, such as the protection of biodiversity and the limitation of land use, affect the actual available potential. These factors limit the scope for growth.
Direction for policy and market
The outcome of the analysis underscores that the role of biomass in Europe revolves not so much around expansion, but on optimization. The question is shifting from how much biomass is available to where it can best be utilized.
This shift calls for clear choices in policy and market development. Without direction, biomass remains fragmented across various applications, whereas targeted deployment is precisely what is needed to realize maximum value.
This gives the discussion on biomass a different dimension. The focus is not on availability, but on prioritization within a broader energy system and raw materials policy.
>> CE-Delft Report on “Energy sources and demand in 2040” in Europe
Source: Renewablefuels.nl
Photo by Aditi Gautam on Unsplash
