In a statement, Bioenergy Europe welcomes the proposed European Climate Law enshrining the objective of climate neutrality by 2050 into law. Yet, a higher ambition and greater detail on the trajectory towards net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is crucial to achieving this objective.
As reflected in a recent open letter co-signed with several other European stakeholders, Bioenergy Europe supports the highest level of ambition for 2030 targets. The proposal of limiting the GHG emission reduction target within a range of 50 and 55 percent risks of falling short in achieving this critical milestone. A 55 percent – at the very least – greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction compared to 1990 levels is desirable.
The European Commission’s role reviewing the targets via delegated act is aligned with the transboundary dimension of climate policy. However, Bioenergy Europe says that this process should be carried coherently to ensure a stable framework for stakeholders and bringing clarity to investors.
Accordingly, Bioenergy Europe seconds the letter from 12 EU governments – Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden – to Executive Vice-president Frans Timmermans to anticipate the deadline for setting up this trajectory from September to June 2020. This will allow for better analysis and will increase predictability and confidence.
Bioenergy Europe highlights that in 2017, energy production and final consumption were responsible for 78 percent of EU GHG emissions from energy production, fuel consumption, and transportation adding that this “fundamental aspect” appears to be largely overlooked in the European Climate Law.
In view of the EU’s legislation assessment and review exercises that will be carried in 2021, Bioenergy Europe reiterates that increased share of renewables in the energy mix is crucial to concretely reduce GHG emissions. This must include a specific and binding target for heating and cooling, considering it is responsible for around 30 percent of the EU total GHG emissions.
In 2017, bioenergy enabled saving around 7 percent of the EU28 GHG emissions (303 MtCO2 eq) but more ambitious targets are needed. Bioenergy not only provides renewable, carbon-neutral, local and non-intermittent energy, but also an economic driver for carbon absorption and adaptation through afforestation, sustainable forest management, and dedicated crops.
