biomass – Concept
Biomass is a renewable energy source that plays a significant role in the current energy scenario due to its importance and the impacts it presents.. Biomass consists of organic matter, as agricultural waste, forest and animal origin, that can be turned into solid biofuels, liquid or gaseous for energy generation.
Its importance lies in the diversification of the energy matrix, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, biomass contributes to the promotion of the circular economy, since it uses waste and by-products from other activities, avoiding inappropriate disposal. Nonetheless, It is important to assess the environmental impacts associated with the use of biomass, such as the emission of atmospheric pollutants during burning and the possible impact on food availability and the sustainable use of natural resources.
Therefore, it is essential to adopt responsible production and use practices, such as certification and guaranteeing the sustainability of biomass, to maximize its benefits and minimize its potential negative impacts.
Program – Better Biomass
The “Better Biomass” certification is used by organizations to demonstrate that the biomass they produce, process, sell or use meets well-established international sustainability criteria.
The European Commission has published its decision on the recognition of the Better Biomass voluntary program, for demonstrating compliance with the requirements set out in the Directive (EU) 2018/2001. Furthermore, It is worth highlighting the approval by the Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy within the scope of “Regulations on the conformity assessment of vast biomass for energy applications”.
The scheme has been assessed and approved for the following purposes:
- Prove compliance of biofuel shipments, bioliquids and biomass fuels with the sustainability criteria established in Article 29 (paragraphs 2 a 5 e 10) of the Directive (EU) 2018/2001.
- Prove compliance of economic operators with the obligation to provide accurate information in the Union or national database on renewable fuels and recycled carbon fuels used in transport, according to Article 28 (4) of the Directive (EU) 2018/2001.
Furthermore, the scheme has been confirmed to contain accurate data on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, as required by Article 29 (10) of the Directive (EU) 2018/2001. It ensures that all relevant information from economic operators upstream in the chain of custody is transferred to economic operators downstream in the chain of custody.
Implementing Law on Sustainability, GEE and ILUC
It is important to note that the assessment did not consider the next act of implementation, according to Article 30 (8) of the Directive (EU) 2018/2001. This act will introduce rules to verify sustainability criteria, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, low risk criteria for indirect land use change, as well as delegated acts, according to Article 28(5) of the Directive (EU) 2018/2001.
After the adoption of these implementing acts and delegates, the Better Biomass voluntary scheme will be re-evaluated. The RED II Committee on biofuel sustainability, bioliquids and biomass fuels has already cast a favorable vote on the legal text of the Implementing Regulation during its 5th meeting in 10 March 2022. This began the process of adopting this legal act. Program management is closely monitoring these developments and will provide further information as news becomes available..
Therefore, the European Commission recognized the “Better Biomass” as a means of proving compliance with sustainability criteria, accurate reporting of information and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The scheme will be re-evaluated once the implementing and delegated acts are adopted, and progress on these acts is being closely monitored by the certification administration.
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