On October 9th, the IRBEA National Bioenergy Conference 2025 took place in Dublin, gathering leading experts, policymakers, and industry representatives to discuss the evolving role of bioenergy in Europe’s climate transition. The event focused on key policy developments, innovation, and practical challenges shaping the sector’s future.

Representing Bioenergy Europe, Ennio Prizzi, Senior Policy Officer, delivered a comprehensive update on EU climate policy, from the broader strategic direction to specific regulatory frameworks that affect the bioenergy sector.

Overview of EU Climate Policy

Ennio Prizzi opened with an overview of the EU’s climate policy architecture. He emphasized that while the path toward climate neutrality is ambitious, maintaining policy coherence and predictability is crucial for industries like bioenergy, which invest heavily in long-term infrastructure and sustainable feedstock supply chains.

CRCF: A Framework for Carbon Removals

A key focus of the IRBEA National Bioenergy Conference 2025 was the Carbon Removal and Carbon Farming Certification Framework (CRCF), the EU’s emerging system for certifying permanent and temporary carbon removals.
Prizzi explained the goals of the CRCF, which aim to create trust and transparency in carbon removal claims, encourage investment in sustainable carbon storage solutions, and ensure robust monitoring, reporting, and verification standards.

He also described the different types of carbon removals covered under the framework, such as:

• Permanent geological storage (e.g., BECCS or DACCS),
• Temporary storage in products or soil carbon, and
• Carbon farming, which focuses on enhancing sequestration in agricultural and forestry systems.

Certification and Process

During his intervention, Prizzi detailed how the certification process under the CRCF will work in practice, from project application to verification and issuance of certificates. He stressed the importance of maintaining rigorous sustainability safeguards to ensure that certified projects deliver genuine, measurable climate benefits. He also outlined the timeline for implementation.

The EU Decision-Making Process

Prizzi took the opportunity to demystify the EU decision-making process behind the CRCF, explaining the steps involved in designing such a framework. From the European Commission’s initial proposal to the trilogue negotiations between Parliament, Council, and Commission, he highlighted how technical details, political compromise, and stakeholders’ input all play critical roles in shaping the final regulation.

Bioenergy and the CRCF: How They Intersect

One of the central points of Ennio Prizzi’s presentation at the IRBEA National Bioenergy Conference 2025 was the connection between bioenergy and the CRCF. He noted that the framework directly intersects with the Renewable Energy Directive (REDIII), another key piece of EU legislation governing biomass sustainability.

Specifically, biomass raw materials that already meet REDIII sustainability certification standards will automatically comply with the corresponding sustainability criteria under the CRCF Regulation. This alignment avoids double certification and administrative burden for operators. 

Looking Ahead

The IRBEA National Bioenergy Conference 2025 underscored how vital EU-level policy consistency is for the growth and competitiveness of the bioenergy sector. Ennio Prizzi concluded by stressing that Bioenergy Europe will continue to engage with EU institutions to ensure that bioenergy’s contribution to carbon removals, renewable heat, and sustainable growth is fully recognized in the evolving policy landscape.

Bioenergy Europe presents the latest updates at Biomass PowerON 2025 conference

On October 8th and 9th, Bioenergy Europe presented the latest biomass updates at Biomass PowerON 2025 conference, held in Stockholm, Sweden. The event gathered experts and professionals from across Europe to discuss the future of bioenergy and biomass within the EU’s clean energy transition. The conference covered a broad range of topics, from renewable heat and power to negative-emission technologies such as bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). Policy developments and the future of sustainable biomass supply chains were also high on the agenda.

Representing Bioenergy Europe, Ileana Repaci delivered a comprehensive overview of the most relevant EU policy files shaping the bioenergy sector today. Her presentation focused on four main topics:

Renewable Energy Directive (REDIII)

During the Biomass PowerON 2025 conference Repaci outlined the main changes introduced by REDIII, especially the strengthened sustainability criteria for biomass. She explained that under the new provisions, direct financial support for certain feedstocks will no longer be allowed, as national schemes will need to prioritise the cascading use of biomass. She also noted that, to date, Denmark remains the only EU country without an open infringement procedure for late transposition of the Directive, showing how implementation is still a challenge across Europe.

 

EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)

Turning to the EUDR, Repaci summarised the regulation’s objective: to ensure that products placed on the EU market are deforestation-free, forest degradation-free, and legally produced. She detailed the due diligence requirements for both operators and traders, who must collect information on suppliers, buyers, and due diligence reference numbers. Repaci also commented on the possible postponements of implementation deadlines, highlighting the uncertainty this creates for the bioenergy value chain.

 

The 2040 Climate Target

Repaci then addressed the EU Climate Law’s 2040 target, which proposes a 90% net emissions reduction compared to 1990 levels. The Biomass Power ON 2025 conference was an opportunity to explain that, according to the Commission’s impact assessment, bioenergy and carbon removals (including BECCS) will be essential to achieving this goal. Repaci underlined that the sector will be expected to deliver permanent carbon removals, which will require both policy clarity and long-term investment support.

 

Heating and Cooling Strategy

Finally, Repaci discussed the upcoming EU Heating and Cooling Strategy, currently open for public consultation and expected to be adopted in 2026. She emphasised that this strategy will guide future EU legislative proposals for decarbonising the heating and cooling sectors, areas where sustainable bioenergy can make a tangible contribution to reducing emissions and ensuring energy security. She also provided a brief overview of the upcoming Bioeconomy strategy, with a brief overview on its relevance and the possible next steps.

Looking Beyond the Biomass PowerON 2025 conference

The discussions at Biomass PowerON 2025 conference demonstrated the continued importance of policy stability and innovation in keeping bioenergy competitive within Europe’s energy mix. Bioenergy Europe remains actively engaged in monitoring EU legislation and supporting a balanced, evidence-based approach to sustainable biomass. Discover more on their website.

On September 25, 2025, experts, policymakers, and industry leaders met in Stockholm and online for Svebio’s Fuel Market Day 2025. The conference, held under the theme “Navigating a changing world – Bioenergy as Europe’s growth and innovation engine”, explored how bioenergy and biomass are driving Europe’s energy transition while facing complex policy, market, and supply chain challenges.

 

As the EU’s largest renewable energy source, bioenergy provides 54% of renewable supply and avoids 300 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. At Fuel Market Day 2025, discussions centered on market outlooks, sourcing trends, technology innovations, and the resilience of Europe’s biomass supply.

 

A central moment was the panel “Between Policy and Practice: Navigating EU rules shaping bioenergy markets,” part of the wider session Bioenergy Market Outlook: Trends, Innovations and Challenges. Jérémie Geelen, Market Intelligence Director at Bioenergy Europe, addressed the main challenges tied to EU bioenergy policies, from fragmentation and revisions to the challenges of long-term planning.

 

His presentation explored the implementation of REDIII across the EU and examined the Ecodesign Directive, LULUCF, and EUDR, focusing on practical aspects such as traceability, timing, and compliance risks.

 

Policy, Practice, and the Future of Bioenergy – Highlights from Fuel Market Day 2025 made clear that strong, coherent, and forward-looking policy frameworks are essential to unlock investment, scale up supply chains, and secure the role of bioenergy as a cornerstone of Europe’s net-zero strategy.

On 3 September 2025, Bioenergy Denmark  and DI Energi hosted an event in Copenhagen to discuss the role of bioenergy in the green transition in Denmark and the EU. The conference brought together policymakers, industry representatives, and stakeholders to explore how bioenergy is evolving and what lies ahead for the sector.

 

The morning opened with a European perspective on bioenergy, where Ileana Repaci, Junior Policy Officer at Bioenergy Europe, presented on the latest developments in Brussels. Her presentation highlighted key legislative files currently shaping the sector, including the Renewable Energy Directive (REDIII), with a focus on implementation status and the approval of certification schemes. She also addressed progress on the Ecodesign Directive revision of Solid Fuel Boilers and Solid Fuel Local Space Heaters. Further updates covered the EU Climate Law and the 2040 target amendment proposal, as well as the upcoming strategies on the bioeconomy and heating and cooling, policies that will be decisive for the future role of bioenergy in Europe’s energy system.

 

The conference then turned to the Danish context, with sessions on the new regulation of sustainable biomass and the importance of security of supply in the electricity sector. Discussions also explored the role of CO₂ capture in combination with bioenergy, an area with strong potential to deliver negative emissions.

 

The event was an opportunity to foster dialogue between participants, encouraging exchange between policymakers, industry, and local stakeholders. With bioenergy forming a cornerstone of both Denmark’s and Europe’s green transition, the discussions underlined how essential it will remain for achieving climate neutrality while supporting energy security. The conference confirmed that bioenergy is a driver of innovation, local development, and sustainability for the years to come.

Welcome to Bioenergy Europe’s reading picks for an energetic summer! At Bioenergy Europe, we know the joy of curling up with a good book beside a cozy wood stove. Yet, enjoying a great read after setting up your out of office reply is not just a winter pastime. 

 

This summer, Bioenergy Europe’s team invites you on a literary journey across continents, centuries and even planets. From sweeping historical tales and magical realism to sharp essays and unexpected journeys, our list will take you across the globe and beyond.

 

So, whether you’re by the beach, in the mountains, or simply relishing a quiet moment at home, these books are here to energise your mind and imagination. Fuel your imagination, discover Bioenergy Europe’s reading picks for an energetic summer. Grab a drink (and a book) and let the adventure begin.

From July 1–3, 2025, the European Pellet Council (EPC), hosted by the Latvian Biomass Association (LATbio), brought together representatives of national pellet and biomass associations in Valmiera, Latvia, for its annual Seminar. The event serves as a key platform for knowledge exchange, coordinating strategy, and strengthening collaboration across the premium wood pellet and biomass heating sectors. 

 

The Seminar began on Tuesday, July 1, with a series of technical site visits. Participants toured a district heating plant in Valmiera, exploring Latvia’s renewable heating solutions and understanding how modern biomass infrastructures support clean energy goals. The group then visited the AVOTI wood pellet plant, a leading facility known for its production efficiency and commitment to sustainable biomass sourcing. The visit offered a close-up look at pellet manufacturing processes, supply chain logistics, and operational best practices. 

 

Policy updates and market analysis take center stage  

 

On the second and third day, the focus shifted to policy and market developments critical to the future of the European pellet industry. Jean-Marc Jossart, Bioenergy Europe Secretary-General, presented key updates on EU legislation, including the Ecodesign Regulation and recent outcomes from the Consultation Forum on solid fuels local space heaters. These regulatory developments can have significant implications for pellet stove and boiler manufacturers, as well as for market compliance across the EU.  

 

Participants engaged in an in-depth exchange on market updates for the pellet sector in their respective markets and presented a SWOT analysis, assessing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats at both national and European levels. Bioenergy Europe’s latest Pellet Report served as a key tool for the analysis. Other sessions included presentations and discussions on the ongoing activities and latest updates from the ENplus® certification scheme, which continues to drive quality and consumer trust in certified wood pellets across Europe and beyond, and exchanges on best practices for communications and public relations campaigns related to pellet heating. 

 

European Pellet Council was a key meeting for the pellet sector, it reinforced the central role of collaboration, innovation, and policy engagement in advancing the wood pellet industry. As the sector continues to evolve under changing regulatory and market conditions, events like the EPC Seminar are essential for aligning strategies, promoting high standards, and accelerating the transition to renewable heating across Europe. 

Organized by Magazyn Biomasa in partnership with Bioenergy Europe and the European Pellet Council (EPC). The European Pellet Forum 2025 & 10th Pellet Forum kicked off on June 12 in Gdynia, Poland, for a two-days conference, bringing together almost 200 participants from across the Polish and wider European pellet and bioenergy sectors, representing pellet producers and traders, energy utilities, technology providers, and sector representatives.  

 

Manolis Karampinis, in his capacity as General Manager of EPC, opened the first day of the conference with an in-depth presentation of the European pellet market, sharing early insights from the upcoming Pellet Report 2025, which will be published on June 25th. His presentation addressed market trends in production, imports, and exports of wood pellets, as well as sales of pellet appliances. He also touched upon the evolving and growing role of Poland in the European wood pellet sector.  

 

The European Pellet Forum 2025 also explored EU policy updates. In a separate panel, Manolis presented the latest updates on EU regulations, including REDIII, EUDR and Ecodesign Regulation developments. In another presentation, Elena Dumitru, Director of Certification at Bioenergy Europe, covered the main features and latest updates in ENplus®, the world’s leading fuel quality certification scheme for wood pellets, as well as key statistics for the evolution of the scheme, highlighting that Poland is the country with the most ENplus® certified producers in the world. 

 

Finally, during the event, the European Pellet Council received the Magazyn Biomasa award in the Pellet Ambassador category. The editorial team recognized EPC’s continued efforts in promoting pellets and supporting the development of clear, constructive legal frameworks for the sector. 

 

On June 4th, the 4th edition of the French Bioenergy Day gathered in Paris policymakers, institutional representatives, journalists, stakeholders, and project leaders. The event focused on biomass circularity and its relevance for local communities. 

 

Throughout the 1-day conference, expert speakers from the fields of biomass, forest management, energy planning, and renewable energy highlighted how wood-energy solutions in France are linked to local practices and the sustainable use of available resources.  

 

Positive public initiatives supporting the defossilisation of heating such as the Fonds Chaleur (Heat Fund) are making it possible. The fund offers financial and technical CAPEX support for the production of renewable heat, based on the lowest public cost per tonnes of CO2 saved, quality of biomass source and quality of the project. Since 2009, the Fonds Chaleur has attracted numerous applicants, including municipalities and industries, for its ability to adapt to local peculiarities.  

 

“Although highly cost-effective, the Heat Fund currently has only €0.8 billion available, far short of the €1.4 billion in project demand, showing the high interest from various energy consumers.” Said Jean-Marc Jossart, Secretary-General of Bioenergy Europe.  “This funding gap poses serious challenges for the French Ecological Transition Agency. At present, priority is given to local projects that maximize impact and rely on sustainable resources like non-forest wood chips. But the potential goes far beyond what is currently funded.” 

 

Jean-Marc Jossart presented the latest developments in European Union policies on bioenergy. EU frameworks influence national strategies and create opportunities and challenges for local actors.  

SURE received RED III recognition from the European Commission. On May 21st, 2025, the updated Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) officially entered into force across all EU member states, this means that the new RED III requirements will now also apply in recognized EU certification systems. On May 20^th, SURE, Sustainable Resources Verification Scheme GmbH, received the necessary confirmation from the EU Commission recognition and can finally share its updated system documents to reflect this important regulatory milestone.

Bioenergy Europe welcomes this important recognition and congratulates the SURE team on this important achievement. While SURE had prepared the necessary revisions in advance, publication of the updated documents was only possible once official recognition had been granted by the Commission.

The revised documents are now available in English, with German translations underway and expected in the coming days. These updates ensure that the SURE system remains a reliable and recognized certification option for demonstrating compliance with evolving EU sustainability standards.

• Who is affected? In principle: Existing and valid RED II certificates remain valid, but economic operators are also required to implement the new RED III requirements.
• What has changed? While the core structure of the SURE system remains intact, key aspects have been refined to meet RED III recognition criteria. Among other changes, this includes alignment with revised greenhouse gas calculation methods, land criteria, and documentation protocols, now clearly laid out in the system’s updated framework.

Find out more on their website.