Biomass and bioenergy in the wider land‐use context of the European Union

Abstract

AbstractDemands from land are increasing within the EU. Targets set out under the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) are driving the production of energetic biomass for use within the energy sector and, at the same time, changing populations, diets, and societal preferences are leading to increased demands for other types of biomass including food, feed, and fiber. As an inherently multifunctional natural resource, land is already meeting many of these demands as well as providing a wider range of services to society including clean and reliable water, carbon sequestration, and cultural services. However, as demands from land increase, its continued ability to support a range of different sectors sustainably is called into question.This review considers the EU demand for bioenergy and the biomass used to produce it, to 2020, within the wider land‐use context. It reflects on the different demands facing the EU and global land resources beyond those emanating from the energy sector, their drivers, and the implications for land resources as a central element in the development of sustainable biomass supply chains in the EU. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd