Bioenergy Europe’s 2023 Landscape Report: Navigating the EU Energy Transition

Brussels,30 November 2023 – Bioenergy Europe 2023 Statistical Report Landscape and its Policy Brief released today present an overview on the bioenergy landscape, providing information on the general EU energy mix and the different energy sources in EU27. Unfortunately, even though some progress has been made since the COVID-19 outbreak, the EU is still too reliant on imported fossil fuels. 

“To achieve an impactful energy transition, we shall give a clear political signal to energy consumers about the end of fossil fuels. A climate strategy must address the progressive and methodical ban of fossil fuels, otherwise it is doomed to fail,” states Bioenergy Europe’s Secretary General Jean Marc Jossart.

In 2021, the consumption of fossil fuels stayed under pre-pandemic levels, except for natural gas for which 2021 consumption levels are around 1% superior to those of 2019. Renewables continued their growth despite lockdowns, showcasing their resilience and reliability. However, 2021 data shows that imported fossil fuels still represent more than half of the EU’s energy mix. The EU should incentivise domestic renewable sources, such as sustainable bioenergy and set clear fossil fuels exit strategy to reduce its CO2 emissions while strengthening its energy independence. Biomass remains the main renewable energy source within the EU27, accounting for approximately 10,2% of the gross final energy consumption and 55,7% of renewables final energy consumption in 2021.

It is sustainable and domestically sourced (only 4,7% import dependency) and produced (the most produced energy in the EU). An alternative that can contribute to energy security. With a new EU target of 42,5% renewables in 2030, bioenergy, together with other renewables, is expected to play a growing role in our decarbonised future. To ensure that future, Bioenergy Europe has outlined 3 steps to take for EU policymakers towards the energy transition.

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