According to the analysis, biomass is already the largest renewable energy source in Europe. If the region were to cap biomass use at current levels rather than optimize its role, energy system costs could rise by 5%. A full exclusion of biomass would push costs up by 20%—about €169 billion annually. That’s roughly equivalent to removing all wind energy from the mix, and nearly 1% of the EU’s total GDP.
Lead researcher Markus Millinger highlights that this isn't just about economics. Attempting to compensate for limited biomass by scaling up alternative renewables at pace and scale could severely strain Europe’s energy infrastructure and derail climate targets.
What sets biomass apart in the renewable portfolio isn't just its energy output—it’s the carbon content and the unique opportunities it offers when paired with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. Unlike wind or solar, bioenergy with CCS can deliver power while actively removing CO₂ from the atmosphere, making it one of the few viable negative-emission options currently available.
The research contrasts biomass-based carbon removal with direct air capture technologies, which require significantly more energy input and come with higher costs. For policymakers aiming for net-negative emissions, incorporating biomass into the energy mix could offer a more scalable and economically viable path.
Still, deploying biomass at larger scales isn't without challenges. Policymakers are under pressure to balance its benefits against concerns over land use, food production, and biodiversity. However, co-author Professor Göran Berndes argues that with well-designed policy instruments, bioenergy systems can be structured to enhance resource efficiency and reduce environmental impacts. Incentivizing sustainable practices could help bioenergy play a central role in Europe's low-carbon future without compromising environmental integrity.
