Bioenergy Europe has unveiled its views on the role of bioenergy in the EU's upcoming Clean Industrial Deal.
The organisation highlights how bioenergy can drive industrial decarbonisation, boost EU competitiveness, and enhance energy security as part of the EU’s transition to a net-zero economy by 2050.
As emphasised by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the Clean Industrial Deal should support and create the right conditions for companies to reach EU climate and energy goals, said the trade association.
The European bioenergy sector has the potential to contribute to strengthen the EU industrial competitiveness while decarbonising its economy, it added.
“The Clean Industrial Deal is a pivotal moment for Europe to align industrial policy with its climate ambitions. Bioenergy, as a cost-effective and scalable solution, can significantly lower energy costs, drive decarbonisation in hard-to-abate sectors, and bolster European industrial competitiveness,” stated Bioenergy Europe secretary general, Jean-Marc Jossart.
“Given the Europe’s technology dependence on China, the EU should take advantage of its pioneering bioenergy technologies and envision an ambitious exports strategy all over the world” added Jossart.
In its policy paper, Bioenergy Europe outlines four key solutions to position sustainable bioenergy as a cornerstone of the Clean Industrial Deal:
1. Support bioenergy solutions for industrial decarbonisation
Transitioning energy-intensive industries from fossil fuels to bio-based solutions is imperative. Bioenergy is approximately 2.4 times cheaper than other renewable alternatives and is uniquely suited to decarbonise processes that cannot be electrified. Legislative and economic measures must prioritise the adoption of renewable technologies and bio-based carbon removal solutions such as BECCS (Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage) and biochar.
2. Develop a bioenergy export strategy
Europe’s leadership in bioenergy technologies represents a strategic opportunity. By promoting the export of bioenergy innovations and scaling up bio-based carbon removal solutions, the EU can create up to 1.5 million jobs by 2050 and cement its position in the global renewable energy market. Bioenergy Europe urges the Commission to develop a comprehensive export strategy to leverage this potential.
3. Lower energy costs for companies and households:
Bioenergy-based heating solutions can significantly reduce energy costs while supporting the defossilisation of the EU heating sector. A targeted programme to replace outdated heating.
4. Ensure regulatory stability:
A stable regulatory framework is essential to attract investments and promote innovation in renewable technologies. Bioenergy Europe calls for the simplification of regulations under REDIII and urges policymakers to avoid retroactive changes that could disrupt investments and market trust.
The Clean Industrial Deal is an opportunity to strengthen the EU’s industrial base while advancing its climate and energy goals, added the association.
The bioenergy industry can support the EU in confirming itself as a global leader in sustainable energy solutions.
Bioenergy Europe unveils views on bioenergy’s role in Clean Industrial Deal
