Ecofys, 2007
Towards a harmonised sustainable biomass certification scheme
Bioenergy is being widely promoted for its potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy security and stimulate rural development. Currently, member states of the EU have a 5.75% biofuel target for 2010. A target which is foreseen to increase to 10% in 2020. Also in the generation of heat and power, from renewable sources, bioenergy plays an important role. However, the increasing size of the bioenergy sector has lead to an increasing demand for biomass and there are growing concerns about the sustainability of this large scale biomass supply. This paper aims to stimulate the development of an international harmonised scheme to assure the sustainability of bioenergy. Thereby, this paper draws heavily on the experience gained in especially the UK, Netherlands and Germany. It is one of several discussion papers that are being prepared as an input to discussions and negotiations at Global and European Union levels that focus on the assurance of sustainable bioenergy chains.
