Igniting EU Competitiveness: Bioenergy a key enabler of the Energy Transition

Brussels, November 22, 2024 – Bioenergy Europe wrapped up its two-day flagship conference, the European Bioenergy Future 2024, a gathering of nearly 150 participants from across the bioenergy industry, EU policymakers, academia, and civil society. Participants left the event with key takeaways: the need to reduce administrative burdens to boost competitiveness, accelerate the defossilisation of heating systems, and advance efforts toward achieving negative emissions.

In his opening remarks, Bioenergy Europe’s President, Christoph Pfemeter, underscored bioenergy’s critical contribution to the EU’s energy resilience and its potential to replace fossil fuels efficiently. Stressing that bioenergy remains the most cost-effective solution for avoiding CO2 emissions, Pfemeter called for the next EU legislative mandate to simplify administrative procedures and introduce more robust support schemes to foster growth and innovation in the sector.

“Bioenergy, together with other renewables, have the capacity to replace fossil fuels by 2050” concluded Pfemeter.

A key highlight of the conference was an engaging Fireside Chat with MEP Nicolás González Casares, who provided valuable insights into the EU’s ongoing efforts to promote renewable energy. Casares addressed the importance of balancing sustainability objectives with practical implementation, setting the tone for broader discussions throughout the event.

“We need sustainable bioenergy in Europe to decarbonise our energy system” stressed Casares.

The conference featured a diverse lineup of high-profile speakers from public institutions, private enterprises, and academia. Panel discussions and presentations delved into pressing topics such as the rising demand for biomass and its alignment with EU sustainability goals, the role of biomass heating in a electrified world, and the increasing competition for biogenic CO2. Speakers also spotlighted innovative technologies and the critical importance of high-quality biomass certification as a foundation for sustainable growth.

“Biomass is renewable energy carrier, unlike other commercial renewable technologies. It is easy to store and does not depend on weather conditions, making it more reliable. That is why it is necessary to combine biomass with other renewables, to make the best out of it.” explained Biljana Kulisic, Bioenergy Team member for the European Commission DG Energy – Decarbonisation and Sustainability of Energy Sources.

“The European bioenergy sector should aim to exploit synergies with materials and e-fuels production” encouraged Martin Junginger, Professor at the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University.

By fostering collaboration and dialogue among stakeholders, European Bioenergy Future 2024 served as a platform for advancing shared solutions to Europe’s energy challenges.

“The change from the fossil fuel economy to a bio-based economy is an exciting opportunity for the bioenergy sector” expressed Jean-Marc Jossart, Bioenergy Europe’s Secretary General.

Other information

During the event, Bioenergy Europe presented their new communications campaign destined to inform the general public about bioenergy.

• Have a look at the campaign’s website here.

A new animated information film realised by The Austrian Biomass Association “Bioenergy. For a secure energy future” was shown at the Conference: