Restricting the use of biomass as practised through unequal treatment in funding schemes is counterproductive, according to the DIHK. Essentially, economic viability should determine where biomass may be utilised in businesses.
According to DIHK, this particularly applies to its energetic use: "From the perspective of the majority of businesses, the final decision for a material or energetic utilisation of biomass should be based on economic and technical factors," states the position paper "Maximise Biomass Potentials for Climate Protection and Energy Transition".
Biomass: an underestimated renewable energy source
When thinking about renewable energies, wind power or solar power often come to mind first. Yet, according to figures from the German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), biomass is clearly number one in providing renewable final energy, with a share of nearly 50 percent. Biodegradable materials from agriculture and similar sources, as well as from waste and residues, offer diverse applications – both energetic and material. Biomass is used to generate high temperatures in industries and also in the heating of buildings. It serves as a flexible option for stabilising power generation, in aviation, shipping, and heavy cargo transport, as well as a raw material for industrial processes.
Furthermore, the DIHK advocates an intersectoral approach to the use of biomass and exemption from CO2 pricing – even though greenhouse gases are emitted during energy generation. Specifically, they recommend "continuing to recognise the energetic utilisation of biomass as a renewable and CO2-neutral source of energy under adherence to European sustainability criteria, alongside maintaining its equal treatment with other renewable energies".
Enhancing Foreign Potentials
In this context, the DIHK also advocates stronger utilisation of foreign biomass potentials – also in the interests of climate protection and energy transition: According to DIHK, biomass power plants can reduce the need for additional transmission grids and, in the long term, lower overall societal transformation costs. A significant share of renewable heat is provided through biomass, the paper states. This decentralised and flexibly usable energy source can bridge infrastructure and production gaps, as well as network bottlenecks. "Hastily shutting down or even dismantling gas (distribution) grids should therefore be avoided," warns the DIHK. Lastly, biofuels remain "a viable option for defossilising the mobility sector".
Download
The DIHK position paper is available here:
"Maximise Biomass Potentials for Climate Protection and Energy Transition" (PDF, 1 MB) (only available in German)
- Relevant in topic:
- Energie
- Key areas:
-
- Klima
Released 25.06.2024
Modified 11.02.2026
Contact
Dr. Ulrike Beland
Director Economic Aspects of Climate and Energy policy
Petra Blum
Spokesperson
