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Wood-energy sector worried by EU attempt to limit biomass use

(EurActiv, 6 Dec 2022) European Parliament plans to exclude some types of primary wood from the EU’s renewable energy goals is causing jitters among the industry, which points to bioenergy as an essential part of the EU’s energy security.

Biomass currently makes up 60% of all European renewable energy, with the heating and cooling sector the largest end-user, according to EU statistics.

Following a July 2021 proposal from the European Commission to revise the renewable energy directive, the Parliament adopted its position in September which aims at limiting the amount of biomass that can be burned.

This is achieved through the exclusion of certain types of ‘primary woody biomass’ from what is considered renewable energy, as well as through a cap on its usage.

The Parliament’s proposal to exclude some primary woody biomass from the directive has proven controversial, with some governments concerned it could jeopardise energy security.

“The real challenge that we are facing within the next two to three years is actually to address energy security, and basically keeping ourselves warm and our industries afloat,” said Pauline Lucas, policy director at Euroheat and Power, the international network for district energy.

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EurActiv, 6 Dec 2022: Wood-energy sector worried by EU attempt to limit biomass use