Category: biomass

A political battle over firewood’s future in the EU’s energy transition is playing out in Brussels

As Europe races to replace Russian fossil fuels with cleaner power sources, EU lawmakers are weighing up the future of firewood as a renewable energy source. The debate is getting heated. In an article on the Deutsche Welle website, Sarah Steffen and Tamsin Walker discuss latest developments.   EU weighs up future of wood-burning as … Continue reading A political battle over firewood’s future in the EU’s energy transition is playing out in Brussels →

New report shows Dutch sustainability criteria for biomass unlawful

A report, published this week by five (inter)national environmental organisations (Biofuelwatch UK, Comite Schone Lucht NL, Leefmilieu, Dogwood Alliance VS and Estonian Fund for Nature ES) shows that the largest certification programme (SBP) used for logging does not meet the Dutch sustainability criteria. Certification appears to be entirely in the hands of the wood pellet … Continue reading New report shows Dutch sustainability criteria for biomass unlawful →

Renewable energy statistics are probably overstated because of the way biomass is counted in EU renewable energy statistics, especially when it is burned for heating

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has acknowledged “weaknesses” in how biomass energy is counted in national statistics after several EU countries reported a sudden increase in residential wood burning to meet their 2020 renewable energy goals. Frédéric Simon discusses the statistics in an article on the EURACTIV website.   Exposed: How EU countries use firewood … Continue reading Renewable energy statistics are probably overstated because of the way biomass is counted in EU renewable energy statistics, especially when it is burned for heating →

Blog from Jane Marsh: How does renewable energy impact air pollution?

Clean, renewable energy is one of the top ways to reduce the carbon emissions entering the air and causing climate change. Switching from fossil fuels to solar and wind power can decrease pollution and prevent further damage. Americans are reducing their fossil fuel use by the year, but eliminating those energy sources doesn’t mean they … Continue reading Blog from Jane Marsh: How does renewable energy impact air pollution? →

Coming soon: World Sustainable Energy Days, 21-25 June 2021

Boosting economic recovery with the energy transition! This is the focus of the next World Sustainable Energy Days (WSED) from 21-25 June 2021 in Wels,Austria. Take a look at the programme! The event is a “special edition” of their annual conference as a hybrid event: You can participate online from anywhere in the world. According to current planning, on-site participation will also be possible (following COVID rules in … Continue reading Coming soon: World Sustainable Energy Days, 21-25 June 2021 →

Clear-cutting old-growth forests to produce wood pellets to replace fossil fuels in electricity generation would release more carbon into the atmosphere than it would save

A new scientific study argues that wood pellets, considered a “carbon neutral” product may not be so neutral. Carl Meyer explains in an article on the National Observer website.   Wood pellets from clear-cut, old-growth forests may not be carbon neutral Clear-cutting old-growth forests to produce wood pellets to replace fossil fuels in electricity generation … Continue reading Clear-cutting old-growth forests to produce wood pellets to replace fossil fuels in electricity generation would release more carbon into the atmosphere than it would save →

A regular shop-bought mushroom has been turned into an electricity generator

Maybe these are the new magic mushrooms we have all been in search of. Researchers say creation of 'bio-hybrids' from fungi and bacteria could be used to power devices. Undoubtedly the low-carbon energy transition needs many innovations and possibly mushrooms will now play a role. Josh Gabbatiss explains in an article on the Independent website. … Continue reading A regular shop-bought mushroom has been turned into an electricity generator →

Make your plans now: World Sustainable Energy Days 2019

The conference and tradeshow World Sustainable Energy Days 2019 will be held from 27 February – 1 March 2019 in Wels, Austria. Energy efficiency and renewable energy are at the core of Europe’s commitment to a clean energy transition that serves the needs of citizens, economic development and the environment. Achieving a smart, socially fair … Continue reading Make your plans now: World Sustainable Energy Days 2019 →

Important events coming soon to Australia and Austria

While there are many events planned for the coming months, there are two in particular that EiD would like to draw your attention to.   • National Energy Efficiency Conference 2017 in Australia     Registrations are now open for the National Energy Efficiency Conference 2017, which will take place on 20 - 21 November at … Continue reading Important events coming soon to Australia and Austria →