Forest-Based Bioenergy: Fit for Climate Change Mitigation? An Analysis of the EU Legal Regime of Forest-Based Bioenergy

Abstract

Forest-based bioenergy plays a key role in the energy transition and in meeting the EU renewable energy targets. Indirectly promoted by the EU legislation, forest biomass demand is increasing while European forest sinks are decreasing. To prevent forest-based bioenergy from exacerbating climate change instead of being part of the solution to mitigate it, the Renewable Energy Directive II and the LULUCF Regulation introduced specific safeguards. However, these safeguards have proven to be insufficient and inadequate, leading the EU legislation on forest-based bioenergy to potentially enhance climate change by increasing GHG emissions and failing to protect carbon sinks. The ‘Fit for 55’ proposed amendments to the Renewable Energy Directive II and to the LULUCF Regulation currently under consideration by the European Parliament and the Council, appear to remedy some of the shortcomings identified, albeit still being insufficient.