Biomass PowerON 2025 conference – Key Updates
Bioenergy Europe presents the latest updates at Biomass PowerON 2025 conference
On October 8th and 9th, Bioenergy Europe presented the latest biomass updates at Biomass PowerON 2025 conference, held in Stockholm, Sweden. The event gathered experts and professionals from across Europe to discuss the future of bioenergy and biomass within the EU’s clean energy transition. The conference covered a broad range of topics, from renewable heat and power to negative-emission technologies such as bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). Policy developments and the future of sustainable biomass supply chains were also high on the agenda.
Representing Bioenergy Europe, Ileana Repaci delivered a comprehensive overview of the most relevant EU policy files shaping the bioenergy sector today. Her presentation focused on four main topics:
Renewable Energy Directive (REDIII)
During the Biomass PowerON 2025 conference Repaci outlined the main changes introduced by REDIII, especially the strengthened sustainability criteria for biomass. She explained that under the new provisions, direct financial support for certain feedstocks will no longer be allowed, as national schemes will need to prioritise the cascading use of biomass. She also noted that, to date, Denmark remains the only EU country without an open infringement procedure for late transposition of the Directive, showing how implementation is still a challenge across Europe.
EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)
Turning to the EUDR, Repaci summarised the regulation’s objective: to ensure that products placed on the EU market are deforestation-free, forest degradation-free, and legally produced. She detailed the due diligence requirements for both operators and traders, who must collect information on suppliers, buyers, and due diligence reference numbers. Repaci also commented on the possible postponements of implementation deadlines, highlighting the uncertainty this creates for the bioenergy value chain.
The 2040 Climate Target
Repaci then addressed the EU Climate Law’s 2040 target, which proposes a 90% net emissions reduction compared to 1990 levels. The Biomass Power ON 2025 conference was an opportunity to explain that, according to the Commission’s impact assessment, bioenergy and carbon removals (including BECCS) will be essential to achieving this goal. Repaci underlined that the sector will be expected to deliver permanent carbon removals, which will require both policy clarity and long-term investment support.
Heating and Cooling Strategy
Finally, Repaci discussed the upcoming EU Heating and Cooling Strategy, currently open for public consultation and expected to be adopted in 2026. She emphasised that this strategy will guide future EU legislative proposals for decarbonising the heating and cooling sectors, areas where sustainable bioenergy can make a tangible contribution to reducing emissions and ensuring energy security. She also provided a brief overview of the upcoming Bioeconomy strategy, with a brief overview on its relevance and the possible next steps.
Looking Beyond the Biomass PowerON 2025 conference
The discussions at Biomass PowerON 2025 conference demonstrated the continued importance of policy stability and innovation in keeping bioenergy competitive within Europe’s energy mix. Bioenergy Europe remains actively engaged in monitoring EU legislation and supporting a balanced, evidence-based approach to sustainable biomass. Discover more on their website.
