Perspectives for biomass energy in the European Union
The Institute for Prospective Technological Studies (IPTS), part of the Commission's Joint Research Centre, has published a report entitled "Perspectives for biomass energy in the European Union". The report, prepared by the "Agence de l'Environnement et de la Maitrise de l'Energie" (ADEME - France) at the request of the IPTS, aims to provide a basis for discussion on future perspectives in this area. The study provides a comprehensive overview of the biomass energy sector in the EU, highlighting the opportunities and constraints facing it and possible developments for the future. Biomass currently supplies 3.5% of the energy consumed in the 15 countries of the EU covered by the study. This represents 50 million tonnes oil equivalent (TOE), 90% of which is derived from forestry resources. The study concludes that, with the measures currently in place, biomass energy prospectively represents a modest contribution to the EU total primary energy demand at the beginning of the next century. Biomass energy could, however, penetrate future energy markets to a greater extent if new, more targeted actions are supported by complementary actions of a political, economic and social nature. In this context, supportive action should be envisaged in the following areas: energy supply, the Common Agricultural Policy, environmental policy, and actions for employment and economic growth.