News & events

From 18^th to 20^th January 2017 the leading bioenergy experts of forestry, agriculture, the heating transport and power sector as well as science and technology providers meet at the 5^th Central European Biomass Conference in Graz. On this occasion, the biomass associations signed below and published the following declaration as a guideline for the development of bioenergy in Europe towards 2030. 

Summary - Graz Declaration

Key parameters:
• Halving the use of fossil fuels by 2030
• Phase out fossil generated electricity 
• A doubling of the final energy use of biomass
• A 2.5 fold increase of renewables

Key measures:
• A general pricing on fossil CO2 emissions to progressively reach 100 euro/ton CO2
• A renewable heat strategy for district heat, industrial and residential heating
• Blending obligations for biofuels 
• An integrated concept to mobilise biomass for energy
• Promoting integration of all renewables along with biomass for electricity generation

Europe has a specific responsibility to lead the way to a fossil free society. Technologies, know how, experience, capital, potential and positive examples are available as on no other continent. With a successful climate policy Europe could urge other continents to follow the European Example. Without European leadership no other continent will take the lead to implement COP 21 targets in time and the race against uncontrolled global warming will be lost globally. Given this background decision makers are urged to act accordingly. 

Download the declaration here. 

WBA in Graz, Austria, January 2017