Exploring the EU’s Bioenergy Landscape: Key to Competitiveness and Strategic Autonomy

Brussels,8 January 2024 – Bioenergy Europe has released its 2024 Landscape Report, providing a detailed analysis of bioenergy’s role in supporting Europe’s transition to a net-zero economy by 2050. The report delivers key insights for policymakers and market actors, highlighting bioenergy’s contributions to decarbonisation, energy independence, and economic competitiveness.

“The 2024 Landscape Report provides clear and actionable data to help understand bioenergy’s role in Europe’s decarbonisation efforts,” stated Jean-Marc Jossart, Secretary General of Bioenergy Europe. “Bioenergy remains the largest renewable energy source in Europe today, offering unmatched opportunities to reduce emissions, create jobs, and strengthen energy security through the use of local resources.”

Bioenergy: A European Engine for Growth and Innovation

As the Report highlights, in 2022 bioenergy accounted for 54% of Europe’s renewable energy mix, avoiding 300 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. The sector directly contributes to Europe’s energy security, reducing dependence on external energy imports while fostering rural economies and local employment.

 “Europe has a unique opportunity to lead on renewable technologies, creating 1.5 million jobs and potentially boosting EU GDP by up to €70 billion by 2050,” added Jossart. “This is the time to place bioenergy at the core of Europe’s energy, industrial, and climate strategies.”

Bioenergy Europe’s Recommendations

Bioenergy Europe identifies four critical areas where bioenergy can deliver immediate and long-term benefits for the EU’s climate and energy objectives:

1. Incentivising Bio-Based Carbon Removal Technologies: the EU should incentivise bio-based carbon removal technologies like BECCS (Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage) to achieve European decarbonisation targets and support industries in the transition from a fossil-fuel economy to a bio-based one.
2. Accelerating Appliance Upgrades for Sustainable Heating: modern bioheat technologies provide a cost-effective solution to decarbonise the EU’s heating sector. Replacing outdated appliances with renewable alternatives will improve energy efficiency, lower emissions, and reduce costs for households and businesses.
3. Ensuring a Sustainable Biomass Supply: a secure and sustainable biomass supply will bolster Europe’s bioeconomy and support its energy and climate objectives. The Bioeconomy strategy should reflect that.
4. Providing Regulatory Stability: stable regulations are crucial to attract investments and foster innovation. This can be key to enhance EU’s competitiveness driving the transition to a net-zero economy.

Bioenergy Europe’s Strategic Call

The 2024 Landscape Report can help EU stakeholders navigating Europe’s clean energy transition. By incentivising innovation, securing biomass supply, and ensuring regulatory certainty, Europe can unlock bioenergy’s full potential as a cornerstone of a net-zero economy.