Unlike solar and wind energy, biomass is not dependent on weather conditions and could provide more as a back-up for the electricity and heat supply than has been the case to date.

02/27/2023

Source: Energy & Management Powernews

The bioenergy associations in the capital office have submitted a catalog of more than 50 measures to remove hurdles and barriers to biomass energy use.

The discussion about renewable energy is mostly about solar and wind power. The bioenergy industry reaches that too short. Therefore, it compiled over 50 measures, which should also advance the use of energy from biomass. This energy source - unlike solar and wind power - is not dependent on the weather and could do more as a back-up for the electricity and heat supply than it has in the past. In their coalition agreement, the government factions had set themselves the goal of removing all hurdles and obstacles to the expansion of renewable energies, the bioenergy associations reminded us.

Sandra Rostek, head of the capital city's bioenergy office, commented, "The first, short-term steps were taken for electricity generation from biomass with the amendment of the Energy Security Act last fall." This chosen path must now be continued consistently, he added. A few simple changes to existing laws and regulations would help the bioenergy sector realize its potential and help the federal government achieve a wide range of energy and climate policy goals.

Over 50 demands

Bioenergy, he said, could provide reliable power and heat generation to ease the burden on power grids if flexibility is promoted, especially in applications where other renewables are not available. To achieve this, the increased use of residues, byproducts and alternative crop biomass, as well as the increasing injection of biomethane into the gas grid, must be made possible.

The federal government should review regulatory requirements for consistency with other requirements and policy goals, the associations demand. The need for negative emissions and green CO2 sources is one example, they say. Regulations must be proportionate, they say. Companies and citizens who want to phase out fossil fuels should be able to switch easily to sustainable bioenergy. For this, approval procedures must above all be shortened and accelerated.

"Last but not least, in view of the industry's costs, which have risen significantly in recent years, there is an urgent need to raise the bid ceilings," the bioenergy capital office said. This would support new investments and give the bioenergy sector a long-term perspective as an indispensable component of a climate-neutral transport, electricity and heating sector, it added. "The associations are happy to provide advice on removing hurdles and obstacles and are counting on the support of the German government, the members of the Bundestag and the German states," Rostek concluded.

Four associations are pooling their expertise and resources in the Bioenergy Capital Office: the German Bioenergy Association (BBE), the German Farmers' Association (DBV). (DBV), the Fachverband Biogas e.V. (FvB) and the Fachverband Holzenergie (FVH).

The catalog of demands of the Bioenergy Capital Office is available on the Internet.

Author: Susanne Harmsen