EU Vote Boosts Biomass

The European Parliament voted in mid-September to recognize primary woody biomass as a renewable energy source, keeping its classification under both the first Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and RED II. According to news reports, the vote was a critical move to meet the ambitious EU Parliament goal to increase the use of renewable energy to 45% by 2030, and for achieving the EU’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

Despite some groups objecting to the vote, The Council and EU Commission have continued support for primary woody biomass and its increased utilization to meet climate change goals and secure energy supplies. After this vote, the EU Parliament, the Council of the EU, and the EU Commission will begin negotiations among the three parties, that are estimated to reach a final compromise on RED III in the first half of 2023.