In the race to decarbonize, Europe is turning to its oldest natural resource: wood.
Imagine a renewable energy source that not only powers homes and industries but also actively contributes to healthier forests and a cleaner climate.
This is the reality of forest bioenergy in Europe today. Beyond just energy production, this innovative sector represents a complex, carefully managed system that turns forest residues into a powerful tool for climate mitigation, creating a sustainable cycle that benefits both the economy and the environment.
Forest bioenergy involves using woody biomass from forests to generate heat, electricity, and even transportation fuels. However, contrary to popular belief, this doesn't primarily involve cutting down mature trees for fuel.
Approximately 90% of biomass for bioenergy comes from residues and by-products of the forest industry 1
These residues are transformed into various bioenergy products including wood pellets, chips, and advanced biofuels, creating value from what would otherwise be waste.
The carbon neutrality of forest bioenergy has been scientifically debated, but recent research provides compelling evidence for its climate benefits. The key lies in understanding the difference between:
The total carbon stored in forest ecosystems
The ongoing absorption of CO₂ from the atmosphere 1
While old-growth forests have higher carbon stocks, their capacity to absorb additional carbon diminishes over time. Younger, managed forests actively growing after harvest actually capture CO₂ more rapidly, creating a continuous cycle of carbon sequestration 1 .
A groundbreaking study called Project KLIMAHOLZ, led by Professor Hubert Röder, provides some of the most compelling evidence for the climate benefits of forest bioenergy 6 .
The research employed a comprehensive "cradle-to-grave" assessment that compared two scenarios:
The KLIMAHOLZ findings demonstrated unequivocally that utilizing forest residues for bioenergy creates substantial climate benefits.
tons of CO₂ equivalent avoided
Equivalent to 8 times the annual emissions of road transport across all EU member states 6
Equivalent to 8 years of EU road transport emissions
No fossil fuel displacement
Professor Röder summarized these findings starkly: "If the residues are not used they will rot in the forest—without replacing fossil fuels and creating income from sustainable forest management practices. In other words, this is a lose-lose-lose situation for the energy transition, the transition to climate resilient forests and climate change mitigation" 6 .
The study confirms that when based on residues and by-products, forest bioenergy creates a positive climate effect while supporting forest management and biodiversity conservation—a true win-win-win scenario 6 .
Behind studies like KLIMAHOLZ are sophisticated tools and materials that enable precise analysis of bioenergy systems.
Primary material studied; includes harvesting residues and natural losses from mortality, insects, and storms 6 .
Dynamically projects carbon flows over decades, comparing scenarios of residue use versus natural decay 6 .
Verify biomass quality, ensuring efficient combustion and reduced emissions in residential heating 4 .
The practical applications of forest bioenergy are already widespread across Europe.
European households rely on wood pellets for heating 4
tonnes handled by ENplus® certified traders in 2024 4
National policies significantly influence bioenergy adoption across Europe.
Introduced new federal and regional subsidies for phasing out fossil fuels, triggering a significant market rebound after a previous dip 4 .
Implemented the ongoing "Clean Air Program" with financial incentives, maintaining momentum in replacing coal-fired systems with cleaner alternatives 4 .
Uncertainty around heating transition and shifting policy priorities caused sales of heating systems based on renewable energy to fall sharply 4 .
The future of forest bioenergy extends far beyond simple combustion. Researchers are developing advanced applications that maximize both energy output and carbon efficiency:
Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage captures CO₂ emissions from bioenergy plants and permanently stores them underground, effectively creating negative emissions 3 .
One analysis suggests that around 900 million tonnes of bioCO₂ capture is cost-optimal for Europe's energy system, representing 21% of total European greenhouse gas emissions 9 .
Companies like Liquid Wind are developing facilities that combine bioCO₂ with hydrogen to produce green methanol—a renewable fuel and chemical feedstock.
Each facility can utilize 150,000 tonnes of bioCO₂ annually to produce 100,000 tonnes of e-methanol 9 .
Future biorefineries will produce not just energy but also bio-based chemicals, materials, and fuels, creating more value from each unit of biomass while supporting a circular economy 9 .
Despite its promise, the bioenergy sector faces significant challenges.
Europe's forest carbon sink has been declining, partly due to the natural aging of forests planted a century ago, which now sequester less carbon 3 .
Climate change has increased natural disturbances like wildfires, insect infestations, and diseases 3 .
These techniques can help ensure forests remain resilient while supplying biomass 7 .
Forest bioenergy represents neither a silver bullet nor an environmental threat, but rather a necessary component of Europe's renewable energy mix.
The scientific evidence, particularly from studies like KLIMAHOLZ, confirms that utilizing forest residues for energy provides significant climate benefits compared to leaving them to decompose 6 .
As Europe continues its transition to a carbon-neutral economy, forest bioenergy—especially when coupled with emerging technologies like carbon capture—will play an essential role in displacing fossil fuels and creating negative emissions.
Requires balanced policies that recognize the interconnected cycles of forest growth, carbon sequestration, and renewable energy production.
By supporting these pillars, Europe can harness the full potential of its forests to power a cleaner, more sustainable future.