Bioenergy remains Europe’s largest renewable energy source and will be critical to achieving energy independence alongside climate goals, according to a new report from Bioenergy Europe.
The Brussels-based organisation’s latest Landscape Report, published on 21 January, provides a comprehensive overview of the EU energy system at a time when security of supply has become a defining priority for the bloc.
Jean-Marc Jossart, secretary general of Bioenergy Europe, said recent political shifts had made clear that reaching net-zero was not only about climate but “the sine qua non of Europe’s energy security and independence.”
“This report shows how bioenergy, together with other renewables, can contribute to a more resilient system,” he said. “The EU needs to scale up sustainable, local resources to become more independent and secure.”
Bioenergy represented 51% of the EU renewable energy mix in 2023, providing around half of the bloc’s renewable energy supply. The report emphasises that combining renewable solutions is essential to manage seasonal demand, ensure flexibility and keep energy affordable as fossil fuels are phased out.
Heating remains one of Europe’s most fossil-dependent sectors, with fossil fuels accounting for 73% of heating in the EU and generating around 1.5 billion tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. Renewables covered only about a quarter of heating and cooling demand in 2023, but biomass accounted for around 81% of renewable heat.
The report highlights biomass’s low import reliance—5% dependency and 1% of net imports—as a key advantage for reducing exposure to external shocks while accelerating the shift away from imported fossil heating.
Bioenergy Europe also underlined the role of bioenergy in supporting industrial energy security, particularly for energy-intensive sectors where full electrification is not always feasible. A technology-neutral approach mobilising all scalable renewables, including sustainable bioenergy, could support industrial competitiveness whilst cutting emissions.
“In Europe we depend on fossil fuels, but we have biomass to reach net zero emissions by 2050,” Jossart said. “We should not miss this opportunity.“
Bioenergy key to Europe’s energy security, new report finds
