Already in 2010. In two-thirds of the EU renewable energy obtained from biomass. At the end of the

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5/28/2014 2020. Europa plans to double the use of bioenergy. However, meeting the demand for biomass will leave an ecological footprint a total area of 70.2 million hectares, or as much as they together occupy Poland and Sweden - According to a report of the University of Vienna.
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Already in 2010. Ecological footprint resulting from the EU demand for bioenergy occupied undefined index area equal to Sweden - so say the authors of the article "Calculation of bioenergy EU's ecological footprint" (HERE). They add, however, that "the anticipated increase in demand for bioenergy will be by 2030. Require additional surface area equal Polish". This would be a result of the EU energy strategy up to 2020. Until then energy from renewable sources (the so-called. RES) is to meet 20% of EU demand.
Already in 2010. In two-thirds of the EU renewable energy obtained from biomass. At the end of the decade also in the transport of 10% of energy from renewable sources, mostly biofuels, although EU countries still have not enacted legislation in relation to the expected indirect impact of this change the use of land.
The report undefined index assumes that the use of biofuels will remain at the same level as in 2020. Uses also forecasts undefined index the Union (HERE) on the demand undefined index for biomass. To 2030. Production of biomass will affect an area of 40 million hectares of biofuels - 11 million hectares, and energy crops - more than 19 million hectares. Total area is "three times the size of Great Britain," says an international environmental organization Friends of the Earth, which commissioned the report.
The result would be an increase in demand for land in the world, because "there are no reliable legal safeguards that protect the ecosystem from further degradation due to energy production in the EU market."
Biomass is the world's largest renewable energy that caters to approx. 10% of global demand. But concern is the fact that countries that have not acceded to the Kyoto Protocol may use unsustainable practices in energy production. This includes the United States: last year, "Wall Street Journal" revealed that there have to unauthorized cutting of American forests for the production of European biomass, which the EU itself would be considered illegal.
When biomass is harvested in the form of fallen twigs and leaves and agricultural waste, is a valuable source of renewable energy. However, the burning of wood in the form of pellets or chips releases the carbon that the tree absorbed in his lifetime. Deforestation also makes habitat decreases lowering the carbon dioxide content in the atmosphere. undefined index
May 22 American Statistical Office dealing with energy issues US Energy Information Administration reported that the export of wood pellets from the United States last year almost doubled to 2.9 tons. 98% of exports were destined for the European market. A separate study published in this month include the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP) also show that the projected demand for woody biomass will require the use of unsustainable methods of obtaining it. IEEP suggests that, without damage to food production and destruction of valuable ecosystems for energy crops could be allocated only 1.3 million hectares of European land.
"Burning whole trees in power is a disaster" - says Robbie Blake specialist. Biofuels in the European branch of the organization Friends of the Earth. "Bioenergy can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but at its production need to focus on waste instead of burning trees and agricultural crops."
Biomass came within the scope of EU projects undefined index after the EU began to focus on local energy sources to reduce imports. According to reports, its use has gained adherents especially among suppliers of energy from coal in countries such as the United Kingdom.
When last month among European leaders undefined index prevailed movement related to the crisis in Ukraine, Jasmin Battista,