European Bioenergy Day 2019: celebrating the continuing achievement towards a decarbonised Europe
Brussels, 17 November 2019 – Another year goes by and bioenergy is still steadily growing in terms of energy consumption in Europe. It is estimated that as of 17 November, bioenergy can cover all the energy needs of the 28 EU Members States until the end of 2019. That is, 45 days, an increase of two extra days compared to 2018 and 4 more than 2017. The symbolic date of 17 November is hence celebrated as the ‘European Bioenergy Day’ and we are thrilled to announce the launch of the third edition of the European Bioenergy Day Campaign. To celebrate this achievement, the campaign is putting forward success stories of people, projects and companies contributing to a decarbonised Europe.
Whilst the above trend confirms how bioenergy play a central role in the decarbonization of Europe, the recent gloomy numbers have highlighted once more how Europe is still excessively dependent on fossil-fuels and subsidies are still heading the wrong direction. Spreading the projection for Europe’s energy demand in 2019 across the calendar year makes it clear: Bioenergy Europe calculates that Europe still relies on fossil and nuclear energy for an astonishing 291 days in 2019 (January 1st to October 18th).
On the other hand, all renewables combined, count for 74 days (from October 18th onward). Among these, bioenergy alone contributes to an impressive 45 days: from 17 November until 31 December. At EU level this counts for two extra days of clean energy compared to 2018. By looking at single countries’ figures, the same trend is confirmed. Countries like Denmark, Finland, and Sweden have seen an impressive net increase in bioenergy consumption ranging from 3 to 4 extra days!
Contributing nearly to 60% in the gross final energy consumption, bioenergy is the first source of renewable energy. The sector counts more than 700.000 direct and indirect employments in Europe and a turnover of 60,6 Billion euros. It is estimated that by 2050, there will be 406 Mtoe of sustainable biomass available, including residues from forestry, agriculture, industry and organic waste. That’s the equivalent of 1.624 fully loaded oil tankers, each one gravid with 2 million barrels. Taking in consideration the effort for reducing final energy consumption, this energy quantity could feed more than the half of the EU final energy demand in 2050. Yet these data are far from being common knowledge. For this reason, every day we want to put forward the people, projects and companies contributing to a decarbonised Europe.
About the European Bioenergy Day campaign:
The campaign is powered by Bioenergy Europe and supported by several national partners and stakeholders across Europe sharing the belief that bioenergy is more than a renewable energy source, but a reliable path that will lead Europe to achieve its renewable energy transition in the shortest span of time. We wish for bioenergy to be recognised as a key decarbonisation agent for industry, transport and buildings.
For more figures, data and infographics visit the campaign’s website.
CONTACTS
Claudio Caferri
Communications Officer
caferri@bioenergyeurope.org