Sustainability and land use impact of using forests as bioenergy resource

Forest biomass constitutes the major renewable energy source of the European Union (EU). With the EU Renewable Energy Directive (2009/28/EC) in place it will continue to play a dominant role in the substitution of fossil fuels in the decades to come. Considering the elevated cost for investments in solar, wind and geothermal, the National Renewable Energy Action plans in execution of this Directive consider implementing their respective renewable targets predominantly with solid biomass from the forest. The development of a forest biomass industry offers excellent opportunities for the mobilization of the production potential of European forests and the development of a green economy, but at the same time holds a number of risks with regard to its sustainability. Potential impacts could affect European forest resources and social-ecological systems, and in the case of imported biomass, also those of third countries outside Europe. The chapter presents the main sustainability issues that need consideration when developing forest biomass use for bioenergy as a successful and sustainable business. A broad and widely accepted sustainability concept has been adopted, considering the environmental, social and economic pillars of sustainability, although most of the socio-economic issues are discussed under The analysis starts with the need to maintain a certain standing stock in the forest (sustained yield) and continues with the maintenance of long-term site productivity (sustainable yield) and biodiversity. The carbon emissions and energy use associated with bioenergy production and consumption are discussed, including the risks for direct and indirect land use change. Finally socio-economic dimensions have been taken into consideration, including competition with other industries for material supply, sectorial governance, and implications for forest owners.