Euractiv: Bioenergy at the centre of EU renewable energy policy
Bioenergy has to be an essential part of the EU energy mix for at least the next 30 years. Without it, the commitment to a 1.5°C global warming target will be very hard, if not impossible to achieve, argue a group of scientists. The following op-ed was signed by a group of scientists (full list of signatories at the bottom).
On 17 January, MEPs should vote to recognise the importance of bioenergy in meeting the EU’s renewable energy and climate change targets.
Amongst the renewable energy options, bioenergy has the unique potential to deliver significant benefits to society and the environment.
Bioenergy is one of the most affordable renewable energy technologies. It is available in solid, liquid and gaseous forms and can be used for power, heating and transport. Sources of bioenergy are plentiful and can bring wealth and jobs to rural areas across the world and enable profit to be derived from marginal land.
Bioenergy projects can create markets for low-value roundwood and residues and therefore reduce waste. Bioenergy fuels are indispensable in that they can be easily stored so when demand is high they can be mobilised as soon as they are required. As a result of all this, bioenergy can meet needs not readily met by other renewables and provide grid stability on cloudy or windless days.