EUROBSERV’ER BAROMETER ON SOLID BIOMASS AVAILABLE: CLEAR SIGNS THAT GROWTH OF PRIMARY ENERGY PRODUCTION QUICKENS PACE OVER 2010

The European Union Member States’ political resolve to develop the energy potential of solid biomass has started to pay off, as in 2010 there were clear signs that growth of primary energy production had quickened pace. The output figure rose to 79.2 Megaton oil equivalent (Mtoe) in 2010, which is 7.8% up on 2009 and deserves comparison with the previous year’s 4% rise (from 70.6 Mtoe in 2008). The trend, which was driven deeper by Europe’s particularly cold winter of 2009-2010, demonstrates that the economic downturn failed to scuttle the Member States’ efforts to structure the solid biomass sector. 

Besides the 2010 realisations per EU Member State other subjects that are discussed in the new barometer are: 

• Renewable energy policies 

• Industry overview  

• Comparison with National Renewable Energy Action Plans 

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About the EurObserv’ER Barometer   

The EurObserv’ER Barometer regularly publishes indicators reflecting the current dynamics in renewable energies (solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal and biomass, biogas, biofuels) worldwide and within the European Union. In ‘The State of Renewable Energies in Europe’ (http://www.eurobserver.org/pdf/bilan10.asp) two additional technologies have been assessed: solar thermal electricity, small hydropower and ocean energy. 

The EurObserv’ER barometer is a project supported by the European Commission within the DG Energy "Intelligent Energy Europe" programme. It is also supported by Ademe, the French Environment and Energy management Agency, and Caisse des Dépôts. 



Key data for the year 2010 for the European Union (EU-27): 


• Primary energy production from solid biomass: 79,3 Mtoe (73.4 Mtoe en    2009, +8 %) 


• Heat consumption from solid biomass 66 Mtoe (59,9 Mtoe en 2009, +10.1 %) 


• Electricity produced from solid biomass: 67,0 TWh (61,9 en 2009, +8,3%) 


• Per capita primary energy production from solid biomass : Finland, Sweden and Latvia top-three countries.