Time for the next (co)-generation: Bioenergy Europe joins the EHP Congress

Time for the next (co)-generation: Bioenergy Europe joins the EHP Congress

Last week, Bioenergy Europe had the chance to attend the 42nd Euroheat and Power Congress in Rotterdam. Over three days of insightful discussions, the forum focused on the future of sustainable heat and the key role of district heating in the energy transition.

Bioenergy is currently the largest source of renewable heat, accounting for 85% of all renewable heat. However, the heating sector, which represents 49% of the EU’s energy consumption, is still largely dependent on fossil fuels. As new solutions emerge the landscape is continually evolving, offering advanced opportunities for clean heat.

Already today, district heating and cooling networks are helping phase out fossil fuels in buildings, aligning the EU with its climate and energy goals. By meeting 20% of the EU’s heat demand through district heating and cooling, the EU could save 24 billion cubic meters of gas by 2030, which is 32% of the EU’s Russian gas imports in 2022. Achieving this target requires substantial investments in new district heating and cooling systems, gradually introduce renewable heat sources and modernise Europe’s district heating and cooling network.

In this context, Bioenergy Europe’s Senior Policy Officer Daniel Reinemann participated in the panel "Time for the Next (Co) Generation!" Panelists highlighted that high-efficiency cogeneration is crucial for district heating. However, Bioenergy Europe emphasized that biomass cogeneration is essential for a cleaner and more innovative approach, that also enhances the EU’s energy security. This was a great chance to stress the role of bioenergy CHP (Combined Heat and Power) and the wider role of bioenergy in the energy mix.