Publications - European Commission Biomass Action Plan

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COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Brussels, 7.12.2005 COM(2005) 628 final

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION Biomass action plan ({SEC(2005) 1573}

The following information is abstracted from the text which is available as a PDF

Introduction

Energy is key in helping Europe achieve its objectives for growth, jobs and sustainability. High oil prices put the spotlight on Europe's increasing dependency on imported energy. The Union needs to respond strongly to this challenge. The central importance of energy policy in helping Europe to meet the challenges of globalisation was confirmed by the Union€s heads of state and government at the informal Hampton Court summit in October 2005.

With this in mind, the Commission is carrying out a fundamental review of its energy policy. This will be the subject of a Green Paper in spring 2006, with three main objectives € competitiveness, sustainability and security of supply. Essential elements of this policy are, within the context of stronger economic growth, the need to reduce energy demand1; increase reliance on renewable energy sources, given the potential to produce them domestically and their sustainability; diversify energy sources; and enhance international cooperation. These elements can help Europe to reduce dependence on energy imports, increase sustainability and stimulate growth and jobs. Success requires a coherent management of these objectives, within appropriate timetables. The process will include mechanisms to involve Member States, representatives of the European Parliament and stakeholders.

It is in this wider context of an integrated and coherent energy policy and, in particular, of the promotion of renewable energy sources that the Commission is presenting this action plan. It is just one component of the measures needed to achieve the objectives set out above € but an important one, since biomass presently accounts for about half of the renewable energy used in the EU.

In its 2004 communication on the share of renewable energy in the European Union, the European Commission committed itself to produce a biomass action plan, highlighting the need for a coordinated approach to biomass policy. The Spring Council of 2004 concluded that increased use of renewable energy is essential for €environmental and competitiveness reasons€, while the European Parliament recently noted €that biomass has many advantages over conventional energy sources, as well as over some other renewable energies, in particular, relatively low costs, less dependence on short-term weather changes, promotion of regional economic structures and provision of alternative sources of income for farmers€. This action plan sets out measures to increase the development of biomass energy from wood, wastes and agricultural crops by creating market-based incentives to its use and removing barriers to the development of the market. In this way Europe can cut its dependence on fossil fuels, cut greenhouse gas emissions and stimulate economic activity in rural areas.

This action plan is a first, coordinating step. It sets out measures to promote biomass in heating, electricity and transport, followed by cross-cutting measures affecting biomass supply, financing and research. It is accompanied by a general impact assessment. As a second step, individual measures will be brought forward subject to specific impact assessment in line with Commission rules.

Conclusions

Europe needs to break its dependence on fossil fuels. Biomass is one of the main alternatives. Cost effective measures in favour of biomass need to be developed at European level to

• draw maximum advantage from national and local innovation;
• provide a clear way forward for major industries organised on a European scale;
• share burdens fairly.

This communication sets out a coordinated programme for Community action, including measures to improve demand for biomass; improve supply; overcome technical barriers; and develop research.

The action plan has taken nearly a year to develop. It draws on widespread consultations with interested parties. Their response to the idea of a vigorous Community approach in this area has been largely, and often powerfully, positive. The next step is to put the programme into practice.

Contents 1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Biomass potential
1.2. Costs and benefits
1.3. Biomass use in transport, electricity and heating
2. BIOMASS HEATING
2.1. Legislation on renewable energy in heating
2.2. The renewal of district heating
3. ELECTRICITY FROM BIOMASS
4. TRANSPORT BIOFUELS
4.1. Implementation of the biofuels directive
4.2. The vehicle market
4.3. Balancing domestic production and imports
4.4. Standards
4.5. Removal of technical barriers
4.6. Use of ethanol to reduce demand for diesel
5. CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES
5.1. Supply of biomass
5.2. EU financial support for biomass energy
5.3. State aids
6. RESEARCH
7. CONCLUSION
ANNEX 1 - Biomass action plan: summary of measures
ANNEX 2 - EU biomass production potential
ANNEX 3 - A scenario to increase biomass energy using current technologies
ANNEX 4 - Environmental impacts
ANNEX 5 - Renewable energy and the directive on the energy performance of buildings