Page 24 - European Energy Innovation - spring 2019 publication

24 Spring 2019 European Energy Innovation

BIOENERGY & BIOFUELS

Advances and challenges
in bioenergy and biofuels

By Piotr Szymański, Nicolae Scarlat, Laura Lonza, Directorate C – Energy, Transport and Climate,
DG Joint Research Centre, European Commission
Bioenergy is currently the
main Renewable Energy electricity, but it can also produce large-scale bioenergy expansion,
Source (RES) in the European heat and transport fuels, as well most studies demonstrate that
Union (EU), accounting for as bio-based materials and bio- substantially lower GHG emissions,
chemicals. Most importantly, compared to fossil energy, are

65% of the EU renewable energy bioenergy can play an important achievable if induced impacts on

consumption. It’s considered a key role in decarbonising sectors where the use of land are avoided, biomass

pillar for the achievement of energy other options are unavailable or are is produced with low (fossil) energy

and climate targets, both at EU and very limited, such as freight road input (or derived from residue and

global level. As acknowledged in the transport, aviation and maritime waste streams) and if it’s processed

“A Clean Planet for all” (COM(2018) transport. Besides contributing to with high conversion efficiency using

773 final) communication, sustainable GHG reduction, bioenergy brings renewable process energy.

bioenergy is expected to facilitate additional social, environmental and

a net-zero GreenHouse Gas (GHG) economic benefits to agriculture, The recently adopted (Directive (EU)

emissions economy, with estimates forestry and other industrial sectors 2018/2001), regulating bioenergy

of its use pointing to an increase driving rural development, in the and biofuels within the broader

of around 80% by 2050 compared context of sustainable development. frame of Renewable Energy Sources

to today’s levels, up to 10.5 EJ (250 includes a binding renewable

Mtoe). While there are legitimate concerns energy target for the EU of 32%

over the sustainability aspects by 2030, with an upwards revision

Biomass can not only generate and carbon emissions related to clause by 2023. The sustainability

Contribution of bioenergy to gross final energy consumption: current status and expected
developments to 2030 (2020-2030 are projected figures)

16

14

12

EJ 10

8

6

4

2

0 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030
2005  Bioheat  Bioelectricity  Biofuels  Other RES

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