Bioenergy planning in European regions

During this event, the final conference of three bioenergy projects BEn, BioEnerGIS and MAKE-IT-BE, Giulio Volpi, DG Energy, Renewable Energy Policy said “Regions will play a key role in promoting sustainable biomass production and streamlining permitting procedures for bioenergy plans".

Mr. Volpi was addressing an audience of local and regional policy makers and representatives from EU institutions, together with keynote speakers Romana Jordan Cizelj - MEP, Member of the Committee on Industry, Research and
Energy and Mr. Brian Meaney, the Committee of the Regions rapporteur on bio-energy.

“It is important to explore integrated bio-energy partnerships for cities and regions - in support of the Europe 2020 Strategy and beyond, but also in support of local sustainable development” stated Mr. Meaney. This was also the approach explored by the bioenergy projects. After three intense years of developing guidance material, creating tools, stimulating and implementing regional and local partnerships in bioenergy, the three Intelligent Energy Europe co-funded projects mentioned above will conclude soon. Together, they present a wealth of support for bioenergy planning and implementation in Europe.

The projects have documented innovative case studies, outlined a methodology for biomass planning and developed tools to assess the energy potential from biomass resources – mostly waste from forestry, agriculture and livestock as a resource. These results can help to drive and support the green economy agenda in Europe, by rolling out more bioenergy
actions across the continent.

There are many different models for ownership and financing of bioenergy actions, but all require partnerships to optimise their impact. Successful bioenergy developments tend to require the cooperation of many different actors – from traditional farmers and foresters to local decision-makers and waste managers. By combining key stakeholders with smart
energy efficiency technologies, and using local resources, communities can get one step closer to energy independence.

MAKE-IT-BE project coordinator Maria Grazia Tommasini of Centro Ricerche Produzioni Vegetali believes “Biomass has become a significant and reliable renewable energy source. It is inherently a local fuel choice and there are significant supply chain challenges in making this form of energy available to local communities. We are proud to have developed practical guidance to support the role-out of bioenergy partnerships.” ICLEI Europe will share key results with its members, as well as the Covenant of Mayors to assist local governments across Europe in exploring their bioenergy options.