Bioenergy has an important role in the transition away from fossil fuels and to move the global energy system towards carbon neutrality

Different types of bioenergy are available now and can be integrated in existing infrastructure; biobased fuels and intermediates are storable, applicable in different sectors (transport, heat, electricity) and there is flexibility to redirect biomass/bioenergy to sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as long haul transport or high temperature heat in industry; and it can provide net carbon removal from the atmosphere when combined with carbon capture and storage.

Yet, there is a heated debate on bioenergy in several countries and its role in the energy transition is often underestimated. The key to address potential risks of bioenergy deployment is not to block bioenergy developments, but to find ways to mitigate these risks. From IEA Bioenergy side we consider it very important to collaborate at international level to provide scientific evidence, collect experiences and good practises, and to raise awareness on what sustainable bioenergy means, to point to the various types of biomass/bioenergy, how it can be deployed and scaled up in a sustainable way, and how it connects to the overall bioeconomy.

We believe the EUBCE provides an excellent annual occasion to meet and exchange ideas and take steps forward in sustainable bioenergy.