Limits to bioenergy production (EP draft resolution)
In its meeting on September 11, 2013, the European Parliament (EP) decided to limit the use of biofuels. The proportion of biofuels from agricultural raw materials from the food and feed chain (1st generation) is to be limited to 6%. The EU Commission had proposed 5%. Second-generation biofuels from waste are to be given a minimum share of 2.5 percent in the transport sector by 2020. A minimum share of 1.5 percent is planned for drives powered by electricity.
Possible deforestation due to competition for scarce land is to be included from 2020. A revision of the controversial iluc concept is planned by then. Biofuels from cooking oil and animal fats are to be counted twice. Fuel from algae and bacteria will be counted four times.
The EU member states must now agree on a position. Negotiations will then take place with the EP.
Selected advantages and disadvantages of bioenergy production at a glance:
Bioenergy
|
Pro |
Cons |
| Low climate relevance: When biomass is converted, for the most part only the CO2 that was previously bound by the plants is emitted. | High land requirement: The cultivation of biomass requires a large amount of land, which can trigger regional competition for land use. |
| Biomass as energy storage: Biomass can also be stored in large quantities without the energy content decreasing and can then be used when energy is needed | High mass requirement: The energy content of biomass varies greatly and is between 0.3 and 4 kWh/kg. The energy content of fossil fuels (e.g. natural gas at 10 kWh/kg). There is competition for the use of scarce land, weakening other markets. |
| Multiple use of bioenergy: Biomass can be used in the form of a cascade, i.e. first as a material and later as an energy waste product. In addition, fertilizer can be produced from the residues of energy conversion. | Complex logistics: The production and processing of biomass for energy use requires extensive logistics with the use of machinery and traffic areas. This can lead to disruption in residential areas. |
| Decentralized use - value creation in rural areas: Sensible use of the large biomass requires large catchment areas, which are also limited for transport reasons; rural areas are suitable for this and promote value creation there | Sustainability criteria: In order to make the expansion of bioenergy sustainable and viable for the future, relevant criteria are required that must be adhered to by the players. Some sustainability criteria have already been prescribed by law (e.g. EEG, cross-compliance, Circular Economy Act...), taken into account in the action plans or complied with on a voluntary basis. |
The pioneering euphoria of the early years is over. On sober reflection, the disadvantages of bioenergy production are becoming increasingly apparent. More limits than targets are now being discussed and agreed.
At the beginning of the promotion of renewable raw materials for bioenergy production, agricultural surpluses were still a problem. One "solution" at the time was to set aside up to 15% of the land. These fallow areas could alternatively be used for renewable raw materials. Now the limits have been reached, possibly even exceeded in some regions. Serious competition for food and animal feed has emerged; this was not the case from the outset. Timely and forward-looking political dimensioning of measures and countermeasures is not necessarily a strength of politicians when it comes to gaining the favor of voters. The need for political action is only achieved when sufficient pressure to make decisions has built up.
The trilogy of the European Parliament, the European Commission and the EU Council of Ministers serves to find a compromise on a problem that is now generally recognized.
