Trialog: Correctly assess and use bioenergy potentials, reduce side effects. How to design a long-term bioenergy strategy?

Biomass is currently contributing more to the supply of energy in Germany than all other renewable energy sources together and is used in the heat and electricity sector as well as for fuel production. Many studies suggest that an energy transition without bioenergy would become much more difficult and expensive, as bioenergy can replace fossil fuels. However, against the potential to contribute to climate protection must be set the risks due to undesired side effects of using bioenergy. If sustainability criteria are ignored, the cultivation of energy crops can cause greenhouse gases, may have a negative impact on biodiversity and soil quality and pollute the water.

The contribution of bioenergy to the future energy supply in Germany and the role of bioenergy with carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) for climate protection was discussed by experts of the academy project “Energy Systems of the Future” together with stakeholders from politics and administration, business and organized civil society in the eighth Trialog on the Energiewende, organized by the Humboldt-Viadrina Governance Platform. The full-day dialogue event took place on February 23, 2018 in the Allianz Forum Berlin.