Heating up the EU biomass market

The European Biomass Association’s (AEBIOM) new European Biomass Statistics 2007 report offers a comprehensive analysis of the current bioenergy situation in the EU 27 member states. Herwig Ragossnig, of the European Biomass Association, looks at where the EU currently stands with regard to biomass, and finds that a strategy to encourage renewable heating is vital if the EU is to achieve the magic renewable energy target of 20% by 2020.

If the EU is to comply with its proposed renewable energy targets, a well-developed strategy needs to be put in place to boost the deployment of all renewable energy technologies which are commercially viable. This is not trivial, as evidenced by the current shenanigans surrounding the forthcoming EU renewable energy directive. But one thing is clear – biomass needs to be regarded as one of the main pillars in this strategy.

This article aims to give an overview of the contribution that biomass is currently making to the European energy system, and the potential that we can realistically expect in the future.
Biomass plays a specific role amongst the renewable energy sources (RES), and is a vital part of the European effort to increase the deployment of climate-friendly energy sources. Biomass useage covers about two-thirds of all renewables in Europe, and is the fastest growing sector in absolute terms. It is also important because it can offer a viable solution for every energy need.

The technology used to transform biomass to energy depends mainly on the form in which biomass is to be delivered as primary energy – and on the cost efficiency of the conversion technology. As such, many different conversion technologies are available to transform primary energy from biomass to heat, electricity or transportation fuels. Some of the existing technologies are already commercially competitive, while others are still at the development stage, but they will certainly play a more important role in the future as costs decrease and efficiency improves.

How has the EU used biomass to date?

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