> **来源：[研报客](https://pc.yanbaoke.cn)** # Summary of Bioenergy in the European Union ## Core Content The **Clean Energy Technology Observatory (CETO)** report on bioenergy in the European Union provides a detailed analysis of the sector's technological development, market trends, value chains, and global competitiveness. It is part of the EU's broader strategy to achieve climate neutrality, as outlined in the European Green Deal, REPowerEU plan, and Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA). ## Main Points ### 1. Bioenergy's Role in the EU - Bioenergy is a **key pillar** of the EU's green ambitions, contributing significantly to the renewable energy mix. - In **2023**, bioenergy accounted for **75% of all renewable energy** used for heating and cooling, and **almost 20%** of total heating and cooling consumption in the EU. - It is the **main renewable energy source** for heating and cooling, with **80% of total consumption** attributed to heat production in the last decade. - Bioenergy supports **304,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs** in the EU, especially in rural areas. - The **turnover** of the bioenergy sector in 2023 reached **€32 billion**, with **solid biomass** and **biogas** being the primary segments. ### 2. Technology Development Trends - **Biomethane production** has increased **tenfold** since 2011, while **biogas** production has more than doubled. - **Biomethane** is a refined product from **biogas upgrading**, which removes CO₂, increases energy content, and eliminates corrosive elements. - The **transition from biogas to biomethane** is accelerating, driven by the **versatility** of biomethane as a **direct substitute for natural gas**. - **Advanced technologies** such as **gasification (TRL 5-8)**, **pyrolysis (TRL 5-7)**, and **hydrothermal processing (TRL 4-6)** are in various **pre-commercial and demonstration phases**. - **Combustion**, **anaerobic digestion**, and **pelletisation** are **mature commercial technologies** (TRL 8-9). ### 3. Technology Readiness and Costs - **Technology Readiness Levels (TRL)** are used to assess the maturity of bioenergy technologies. - **Biomethane** has **lower costs** compared to other bioenergy forms, making it a **key player** in the energy transition. - **Bioelectricity** remains **less competitive** in the EU due to **higher levelized cost of electricity (LCOE)** compared to solar and wind power. - **Biomass gasification** is still in the **demonstration phase**, requiring further **commercial testing**. ### 4. Funding and Innovation - The **EU** leads in **high-value inventions** related to bioenergy technologies, with **France and Germany** ranking first and third globally in this category. - **Four of the top ten** global innovating companies are based in the **EU**, highlighting its **innovation leadership**. - **Public and private R&D investments** are crucial for **technological development**, with **venture capital** attracting **77% of global investments** in 2024. - **Patenting trends** and **scientific publications** reflect the **EU's strong R&I base** in the sector. ### 5. Value Chain Analysis - The **value chain** includes **turnover**, **gross value added**, **employment**, **energy intensity**, and **labour productivity**. - **EU companies** play a **central role** in the **market** and **value chain**. - The **sector's economic impact** is significant, with **diversification and flexibility** being key strengths. - **Weaknesses** include **high investment costs** for advanced technologies and **limited scalability** due to **feedstock availability** and **transport constraints**. ### 6. Global Competitiveness and Trade - The **EU** has a **trade deficit** in **biomass feedstocks** and **bioenergy carriers**, with **€1.2 billion** in imports in 2024. - The **US** is the **main supplier** of biomass feedstocks, and the **UK** is the **main destination** for bioenergy exports. - The **EU is a global leader** in **bioenergy know-how** and **design**, with a strong **presence in international markets**. ### 7. Sustainability and Policy - The **RED II** policy encourages **cascading use of biomass** to improve **resource efficiency**. - **Sustainable feedstocks** such as **waste and agricultural residues** are increasingly used in **bioenergy production**. - **Biomethane** is recognized in the **NZIA** as a **net-zero emissions technology**, along with its **key components** such as **anaerobic digesters** and **upgrading units**. ## Key Trends and Challenges ### Opportunities - The **Net-Zero Industry Act** strengthens the EU's **position in net-zero bioenergy manufacturing**. - **Advanced conversion technologies** (e.g., catalytic gasification) offer **growth potential**. - **Biomethane** can be used as a **gas substitute**, **grid injection**, **transport fuel**, and **feedstock**. - **Combined heat and power (CHP)** with **bioenergy and carbon capture** can lead to **net-negative emissions** in the power sector by 2050. - **Digestate by-products** offer **dual benefits** as **fertilizers** and **environmental improvements**. ### Threats - **Competition for feedstocks** (residues and waste) is increasing due to **limited availability**. - **Variable biomass composition** requires **complex processing**. - **Global competition** in bioenergy science and technology development is rising. - **Verification of imports** is challenging due to **EU trade commitments** and **complexity in biomass characterization**. ## Strategic Importance - The **EU bioenergy sector** is crucial for **decarbonizing the heating and cooling sector**. - It provides **energy resilience**, **grid flexibility**, and **local job creation**. - The **transition to biomethane** is a **strategic priority** for the EU, supported by **policy frameworks** and **technological advancements**. ## Conclusion The report emphasizes the **need for accelerated technology deployment** and **innovation leadership** to ensure a **competitive clean energy future**. It also highlights the **EU's global leadership** in bioenergy innovation and its **strategic importance** in the context of the **European Green Deal** and **REPowerEU**. The **sector's sustainability**, **economic impact**, and **market potential** are underscored as vital for the **EU's energy transition**.