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2016 June 08

The important role of bioenergy in European cities

Bioenergy has the potential to become a pillar in the future energy portfolio of cities

In the battle against climate change, cities play a decisive role. Without a targeted policy for cities to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, climate mitigation policies cannot be successful. 

This new study from World Bioenergy Association addresses the challenges cities are facing within the global climate mitigation policy and explains the contributions biomass can offer to reduce the use of fossil fuels in cities. Biomass is a proven renewable and cost-competitive source of on-demand energy to replace fossil fuels in the supply of heat, partly in the transport sector and in generation of electricity.

Seven European cities are mentioned in this study that demonstrate how bioenergy is integrated into the urban energy system. The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, energy security and development of new jobs in Europe are key arguments in favour of bioenergy for these cities.

In a post COP21 Paris environment, decision makers in cities are faced with realities. The era of fossil fuels supplying the energy demand for cities is fast fading away. Mayors from cities all over the world are making plans to transition to a green growth. In such a scenario, bioenergy along with other renewables plays a crucial role in this transition. These seven European cities are showing how it is done and lessons learnt can easily be replicated” says Dr. Heinz Kopetz, President, WBA.

This new report stresses that the decision makers in cities dealing with the issues of the sources of future energy supply should consider certain key criteria:
• Impact on greenhouse gas emissions
• Security of supply
• Regional development by regional energy solutions

All these criteria favour solutions based on biomass and other renewables. Cities should take into account these criteria and direct all new investment toward renewable energy solutions and improved energy efficiency, and avoid new investment in fossil structures. 

To download the press release, click here.

To download the complete report, click here

For more information, please contact: 
Heinz Kopetz, President WBA, +436506806988, hg.kopetz@netway.at
Karin Haara, Executive Director WBA, +46705432641, karin.haara@worldbioenergy.org
Bharadwaj V Kummamuru, Project Officer WBA, +46767159785 bharadwaj.v.kummamuru@worldbioenergy.org