Europe Can Count on the Bioenergy Industry for its Net-Zero Goals [Promoted content]

Over 350 CEOs and representatives from the European energy industry urge the designation of bioenergy equipment manufacturing as a strategic technology in the Net Zero Industry Act in an open letter delivered to European Commissioner for Internal Market, Thierry Breton. The European Parliament ITRE Committee already broadened the legislation to include the entire net-zero supply chain, recognizing bioenergy’s importance. Bioenergy Europe applauds the Parliament’s stance, advocating for Member States to also adopt a technology-neutral and effective Net-Zero Industry Act.

Ennio Prizzi is Policy Officer at Bioenergy Europe.

In an era marked by climate change concerns and the need for sustainable energy alternatives, the European bioenergy industry, and its stakeholders reaffirm their commitment to support the European Union’s net-zero goals by 2050.

In an open letter delivered to European Commissioner for Internal Market, Thierry Breton, more than 350 CEOs and high-level representatives of European energy companies emphasized the crucial role bioenergy technologies play in shaping Europe’s green future.

“The EU institutions should designate the manufacturing of all bioenergy equipment as strategic technologies in the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA),” said Jean-Marc Jossart, Secretary General of Bioenergy Europe. “This recognition would send a powerful policy signal, fostering investments and maintaining Europe’s leadership in modern bioenergy solutions,” continued Jossart. 

European Parliament Committee acknowledges bioenergy in Net-Zero legislation

In the European Parliament, the legislation was adopted by the Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) Committee on 25 October. MEPs broadened the scope of the draft legislation to encompass the entire net-zero supply chain, including components, materials, and machinery. 

All the technologies used for production of energy from renewable sources as defined in the Renewable Energy Directive are included in the definition of Net-zero technologies. MEPs recognised CO2 capture, infrastructure, and storage projects as net zero strategic projects, confirmed the proposed EU annual CO2 injection capacity target of at least 50 million tonnes to be reached by 2030, and proposed a wider, more comprehensive list of technologies to be covered including carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies. This addition will allow CDR projects to benefit from a faster permitting, easier access to financing and investments, and direct funding at the EU and/or Member State level.  

Bioenergy Europe welcomes the Parliament’s position and hopes that it will be confirmed during the November plenary session in Strasbourg.  Member States are still discussing a common position on the legislative proposal, so Bioenergy Europe calls on the Council to follow in the footsteps of Parliament, have a technology-neutral approach and adopt an effective Net-Zero Industry Act which delivers Europe’s 2030 and 2050 objectives.

Bioenergy means renewable energy produced and manufactured in Europe

Europe is unquestionably a leader in bioenergy technologies on a worldwide scale. European companies are at the forefront of deploying cutting-edge bioenergy solutions provided by European technology pioneers. This is a significant asset at a time when technology suppliers from various sectors plan investments in regions outside Europe.

Ranging from food providers to manufacturers of essential industrial materials, the bioenergy sector is a diversified industry which includes large multinationals and small to medium-sized businesses. All united by the solid belief that bioenergy will be indispensable in Europe’s decarbonization journey.

Bioenergy is sustainable, affordable, and dispatchable.

Bioenergy is a net-zero source which offers a range of benefits that make it a necessary component of Europe’s sustainable energy portfolio. It’s a cost-effective, readily available solution that draws from sustainable biomass resources obtained through responsible forestry and agriculture practices, that allows for the preservation and management of the territory. This is key considering the more and more frequent extraordinary weather events that cause extensive damage, such as wildfires and droughts. 

When used for heating and electricity generation, it grants power to complement generation from variable renewables. And when combined with Carbon Capture and Storage technologies (BECCS) and biochar carbon removal (BCR), it can provide negative emissions and compensate hard to abate sectors.

Bioenergy contributes to the EU energy security 

With Europe facing challenges like the Russian invasion of Ukraine and fluctuating energy prices, energy security is a top priority. Bioenergy presents a reliable, indigenous, and low-risk solution that Europe cannot afford to overlook. Considering the benefits and potential of bioenergy, it is imperative that Europe acknowledges its pivotal role in shaping the continent’s future energy landscape.

“Europe’s journey towards a cleaner, greener future has a reliable ally in the bioenergy industry. With its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and energy security, bioenergy promises to be a cornerstone in the continent’s path to a net-zero future,” concluded Jossart.

Note to editors:

Bioenergy Europe is the voice of the European bioenergy industry. It aims to develop a sustainable bioenergy market based on fair business conditions. Founded in 1990, Bioenergy Europe is a non-profit, Brussels-based international organisation bringing together more than 40 associations and 150 companies, as well as academia and research institutes from across Europe.