New value chains and policy potential for primary forest biomass in the EU

New value chains and policy potential for primary forest biomass in the EU

New Value Chains and Policy Potential for Primary Forest Biomass in the EU

The European Union’s ambitious clean energy transition is gathering pace, with renewable sources like wind, solar, and hydrogen playing an increasingly central role. Yet as these headline-grabbing technologies continue to evolve, another renewable resource is quietly making inroads: primary forest biomass. This diverse feedstock, derived from sustainable forestry practices, holds immense potential to power the EU’s journey towards a circular bioeconomy and climate neutrality.

Emerging Value Chains

Across the EU, innovators are finding novel ways to transform primary forest biomass into a wealth of valuable products. The recently concluded EU-funded LIFE BIOREFFORMED project, for instance, has showcased breakthroughs in the utilization of this renewable resource. By employing advanced pyrolysis processes, the project was able to produce high-quality bio-oil and biochar from a variety of forest biomass sources, including mixed wood, undergrowth, and thinning residues.

These bioproducts hold promise in diverse applications, from agriculture and energy to industrial processes. The project’s findings highlighted the importance of optimizing pyrolysis temperatures – 450°C for bio-oils and 300°C for bio-stimulants – to unlock the full potential of the feedstock. Notably, the team also succeeded in extracting valuable compounds such as sugars, antioxidants, and acids from the biomass, further diversifying the potential value chains.

“The LIFE BIOREFFORMED project has demonstrated that various types of forest biomass can be efficiently utilized, promoting sustainable forest management,” explains a spokesperson from the MedForest platform, a contributor-driven hub for Mediterranean forest news and insights. “While biomass yield and extraction costs pose some challenges, the environmental and economic benefits of biorefineries are clear, including the potential to reduce CO₂ emissions and increase forest resilience.”

Building on these advancements, future efforts could focus on developing mobile or small-scale biorefineries and enhancing energy efficiency to improve profitability and reduce environmental impact. ​ Such innovations underscore the growing diversity of primary forest biomass applications, moving beyond traditional uses in heating and electricity generation.

Policy Implications

As the EU continues to refine its regulatory frameworks for renewable energy and the bioeconomy, the role of primary forest biomass is undergoing close scrutiny. The recently revised Renewable Energy Directive (EU/2023/2413), for instance, has introduced strengthened sustainability and greenhouse gas emissions savings criteria for the use of forest biomass in energy production.

These updated rules aim to ensure that the harvesting and utilization of forest biomass aligns with the EU’s biodiversity strategy and climate neutrality goals. Key provisions include the establishment of “no-go areas” – such as primary and old-growth forests, highly biodiverse forests, and peatlands – where biomass extraction is prohibited. The directive also mandates specific harvesting requirements for forest biomass used for energy, including restrictions on clear-cuts and deadwood extraction.

Moreover, the revised directive introduces an obligation for EU member states to design their national support schemes in accordance with the biomass cascading principle. This principle prioritizes the use of woody biomass according to its highest economic and environmental added value, ensuring that the resource is not simply burned for energy when higher-value applications are available.

“The strengthened rules in the Renewable Energy Directive send a clear signal that the EU is committed to promoting the sustainable use of forest biomass,” notes a European Commission spokesperson. “By aligning the utilization of this resource with broader environmental and climate objectives, we can unlock its full potential within a truly circular bioeconomy.”

Alongside these regulatory developments, policymakers are also exploring incentive structures to drive greater investment and innovation in primary forest biomass value chains. ​ Mechanisms such as carbon credits and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) could help bridge the gap between the environmental benefits of these solutions and their current economic viability.

Feedstock Characteristics

The diversity of Europe’s forest landscapes is reflected in the range of primary biomass feedstocks available for valorization. From the Mediterranean pine and cork oak forests explored in the LIFE BIOREFFORMED project to the vast boreal and temperate forests across northern Europe, the composition and characteristics of these resources vary significantly.

“The quality and composition of primary forest biomass can be influenced by factors like tree species, age, and harvesting practices,” explains a forestry expert. “Understanding these nuances is crucial for developing tailored processing technologies and ensuring the optimal utilization of this renewable resource.”

In many cases, the innovative use of “waste” wood, such as thinning residues and undergrowth, can not only generate value-added products but also support sustainable forest management. By prioritizing the extraction of these materials, biorefineries can help maintain forest health and biodiversity while reducing fire risks and promoting ecosystem resilience.

Environmental Impacts

The environmental benefits of primary forest biomass go far beyond its renewable energy applications. When harvested and processed responsibly, this resource can play a vital role in advancing the EU’s climate and biodiversity goals.

“Sustainable forestry practices that integrate the utilization of primary biomass can actually enhance carbon sequestration and storage within forest ecosystems,” notes a sustainability researcher. “By valorizing waste streams and supporting healthier, more resilient forests, we can unlock a virtuous cycle of environmental and economic benefits.”

Moreover, the production of high-value bioproducts from primary forest biomass – such as biochar for soil amendment or bio-oils for industrial applications – can displace the need for fossil-based alternatives, further reducing the EU’s carbon footprint.

As policymakers and industry stakeholders continue to shape the regulatory landscape and investment frameworks for this renewable resource, the potential for primary forest biomass to contribute to the EU’s clean energy transition and circular bioeconomy is becoming increasingly evident. Through innovative value chains, supportive policies, and a deep understanding of the feedstock’s characteristics, this versatile resource can help power the region’s path to a sustainable, low-carbon future.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn