Towards a holistic approach in EU biomass regulation

Abstract

The energy transition requires a legal system that promotes the most sustainable forms of energy. This requires a holistic approach that accounts for all effects of energy production throughout the energy chain. This article analyses the presence of holistic elements in the current legal framework of biomass used for energy purposes. It finds that the most advanced example, sustainability criteria for biofuels, applies to only a fraction of all biomass uses, as the applicability is dependent on the production process used and the manner of consumption. Furthermore, the legal framework for biomass accounts for neither all direct effects, nor any indirect effects of production, nor the carbon debt resulting from biomass combustion. All this undermines the assumed sustainability of biomass. As a result, the current legal framework is far from holistic and poorly equipped to promote the most sustainable forms of energy.