Page 26 - European Energy Innovation - spring 2020 publication

26 Spring 2020 European Energy Innovation

SUSTAINABLE BIOENERGY

Sustainable bioenergy sector
in the EU – force for the green
transition

By Jean-Marc Jossart, Secretary General, Bioenergy Europe

The European Green Deal was introduced as the European ‘man on the moon moment’.
Undoubtedly, such comparison appeals to imagination. The key difference, however, is that the
fulfilment of carbon neutrality promise in the European Union, won’t be a single spectacular
event, but rather a lengthy journey. The direction is clear: the way in which we produce,
consume, travel, and how we heat our homes needs to become carbon neutral. However, there
is no silver bullet for achieving this goal. We argue that one of the key technologies leading such
change is sustainable bioenergy sector.
Energy remains the source
of 78% of GHG emissions in emissions. An overarching priority neutral, renewable energy. Since the
EU 28, with transport and therefore is to rapidly decarbonise year 2000, the indigenous energy
heating sectors together these sectors. This process relies production of renewables has steadily
on the substitution of fossil fuels increased in Europe (+131%) and

being responsible for 45% GHG from the energy mix with carbon bioenergy’s absolute contribution to

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