While renewables account for 33% of the EU energy mix - of which 5,8% generated by bioenergy - 67% of the electricity in the EU is still generated by non-renewables such as coal, natural gas and nuclear. In addition, despite substantial efforts undertaken in recent years, the electricity’s carbon footprint in the EU remains high, reaching 292 gCO2eq/kWh in 2018 in EU-27.
According to the group, to achieve the full decarbonization of its power system and its economy, the EU needs a strategic vision and concrete measures to support a profound change in member states’ energy mix.
“Only a combination of advanced clean technologies - that includes bioenergy – can ensure a stable and secure supply of clean electricity. Bioelectricity offers the advantage of complementing variable renewables, being a stable, flexible, and cost-effective source of energy,“ it states.
Furthermore, bioelectricity is becoming increasingly efficient, with 71% electricity generated from modern combined heat and power plants (CHP). In comparison, electricity generation from conventional thermal sources CHP accounts only for 28%.
The group goes on to say, “An effective energy mix should be prioritized through long-term political commitment and investments in order to secure stability of the system at all times. Bioelectricity and its possibility to produce on demand is a perfect match with wind or PV that are intermittent. This should be coupled with adequate financial support aimed at efficient technologies and sustainable-fuel demonstration projects. The full market uptake of bioelectricity technologies represents a concrete answer to today’s challenges offering a viable and sustainable solution.”
The benefits of a coherent and effective energy transition, which sees bioelectricity as a key piece of the puzzle are manifold: environmental benefits, secure energy system, but also ensure jobs creation and economic development at local and regional level.
