The European Union has set ambitious goals for its energy transition, in which bioenergy plays a crucial role. In this article, we analyze how the EU intends to meet its 2030 targets for renewable energy generation from biomass, and the challenges it faces in achieving these goals.
In the context of decarbonisation and the fight against climate change, biomass is seen as a viable alternative to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. However, recent reports reveal that, although bioenergy is the most widely used renewable energy source in Europe, it will not be sufficient to fully meet projected energy demand.
The current biomass situation in Europe
In 2022, the EU was already highly committed to the transition to renewable energy sources, and in particular, bioenergy, which accounted for up to 64,1% of all renewable energy consumed . However, recent studies such as those by Birdlife Europe and Transport & Environment predict that biomass will cover less than 30% of the EU's energy demand by 2030.
Biomass includes agricultural waste, forestry residues, and livestock manure, which are processed to generate heat and electricity through technologies such as direct combustion , gasification , and anaerobic digestion . However, biomass's capacity to meet the EU's energy needs is declining due to improved waste management , leading to a reduction in the amount of available raw materials.
Importation of sustainable wood
To meet energy demand without jeopardizing emissions reduction targets, the EU is considering importing sustainable timber from abroad. According to environmentalists, this option would mitigate the biomass deficit while still complying with environmental regulations.
Among the main potential suppliers are North American countries such as Canada and the United States, and others in Africa and South America. The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) , which will fully enter into force on December 30, 2024, will be key to ensuring that all imported timber meets the sustainability standards required by the EU, including traceability and compliance with local forestry laws.
The environmental impact of unsustainable bioenergy
Even though bioenergy is considered a renewable energy source, its indiscriminate use could endanger ecosystems. This is especially true when the biomass does not come from sustainable sources. The increased use of wood pellets for heating and energy has drawn criticism, given that the manufacturing and transportation process can cause large amounts of carbon emissions if not managed properly.
Experts, such as Jori Sihvonen , bioenergy expert at Transport & Environment , insist that the use of wood should be limited exclusively to high-quality products, such as building construction and furniture manufacturing, and not burned in large quantities. The waste of natural resources occurs when these raw materials are used for energy purposes without considering other alternatives.
The role of the European Commission in the use of biomass
In November 2024, the European Commission will review the Renewable Energy Directive again to ensure compliance with sustainability goals. Under current regulations, the EU only considers biomass from responsible forestry operations , which respect both local laws and the ecosystems in which they operate, to be sustainable.
With the implementation of the EUDR Regulation , greater transparency in supply chains is expected, which will require all companies importing wood products into the EU to demonstrate their full traceability, from logging to marketing.
Bioenergy plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change and transitioning to a renewable energy system. However, achieving the EU's 2030 targets will require significant adjustments to the biomass supply structure, including the need for external reliance on sources such as imported sustainable timber . Furthermore, it is essential that certification mechanisms ensure all imported biomass meets the strictest sustainability standards.