Bioenergy Europe welcomes the decision of the European Court of Justice to dismiss as inadmissible the case filed against wood biomass. The case was filed with the EU highest court in Luxembourg on 4 March 2019 by a group of individuals and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
With this procedural ruling, the European Court of Justice clears doubts on the future of the EU largest renewable energy source.
The inclusive work carried by the decision-makers and experts during many years of consultations, scientific debate and evidence collection that led to the REDII sustainability framework is once more acknowledged as a solid approach.
Since the early stage of the consultation, the bioenergy industry has fully supported the introduction of sustainability criteria for solid biomass. These ensure that biomass is produced sustainably, irrespective of its geographical origin.
If sustainably sourced and produced, bioenergy brings considerable environmental and socio-economic benefits. Today bioenergy accounts for almost 60% of all the renewables energy use. It is a major industry player in the EU and contributes to local and regional economic development with more than 703.000 jobs.
We are now a few months away before the full implementation of REDII directive. Bioenergy producers are working hard to be ready for this moment and fully comply with the new criteria. The REDII is key to ensure the sustainable growth of the bioenergy sector, a key player in the climate-neutral transition. Bioenergy will be the ONLY energy source with mandatory sustainability criteria by law, relegating fossil energies to the stone age.
Jean-Marc Jossart, Bioenergy Europe Secretary General statement: “The ECJ’s ruling marks an important step in view of the REDII implementation phase. A short-sighted and ill-informed debate has been too often put forward without even having the opportunity to see the sustainability criteria in operation. While we welcome the court decision, the bioenergy sector will keep supporting sustainable sourcing of bioenergy, with the aim of delivering on the 2050 decarbonization goal.”