The European Union’s climate ambitions are set to face a significant hurdle if biomass is excluded from the energy mix, according to groundbreaking research from Chalmers University of Technology. The study, published in Nature Energy, sends a clear message: biomass is not just another renewable energy source; it’s a linchpin in the EU’s decarbonisation strategy.
Biomass, derived from energy crops, agricultural waste, and forestry residues, is currently Europe’s largest renewable energy source. Its importance lies not just in its abundance but in its versatility. Biomass can replace fossil fuels in sectors like steel and cement, which are notoriously difficult to decarbonise. Moreover, it offers a pathway to negative emissions through carbon capture and storage (CCS), a crucial technology for achieving net-zero emissions.
The study reveals that excluding biomass would increase annual system costs by a staggering €169 billion. This financial impact is on par with the cost of excluding wind power, highlighting the critical role biomass plays in the energy mix. “One thing that surprised us was how quickly it becomes very expensive if we reduce the availability of biomass in the energy system, due to the high costs of alternatives,” said Markus Millinger, lead author and researcher at Rise. “If biomass is completely excluded, the costs of the energy system with negative emissions would increase by €169 billion annually.”
The true value of biomass, the study argues, lies in its carbon content. This carbon can be captured and either stored or reused to produce sustainable fuels and chemicals. The sector’s role in enabling negative emissions is indispensable, making it an essential part of the net-zero puzzle. “As long as the carbon atoms are utilised, it is not crucial in which sector biomass is used,” added Millinger.
The findings underscore the need for stable policies to support investment in bioenergy and carbon reuse. However, the researchers also stress the importance of robust sustainability criteria to safeguard biodiversity and land use. This is not a call to exploit biomass indiscriminately but to recognise its potential while mitigating its environmental impact.
This news should spark a robust debate within the EU. How can we balance the need for biomass with the imperative to protect our ecosystems? How can we ensure that the transition to a biomass-based energy system is just and equitable? These are not easy questions, but they are ones that we must confront if we are serious about our climate ambitions.
The study also challenges the notion that all renewable energy sources are created equal. Biomass, with its unique properties and applications, deserves a place at the table. It’s time to recognise its potential and integrate it into our energy strategy. The future of Europe’s climate ambitions may well depend on it. The sector is at a crossroads. Will policymakers heed this call, or will they let this opportunity slip through their fingers? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the stakes have never been higher.
