A broad political majority has entered into an agreement to set legal requirements for the use of biomass in Denmark.
It writes the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Supply in a press release.
Biomass accounts for the majority of the renewable energy used in Denmark. But there is a big difference in how big a CO2 footprint different types of biomass have.
As a general rule, biomass helps to reduce emissions if it comes from residual production of forestry.
However, if whole trunks from trees that are not replanted are used, the positive climate effect disappears.
Therefore, new legal requirements must in future provide greater assurance that the biomass used in Denmark is as sustainable and climate-friendly as possible.
– Unfortunately, for far too many years there have been examples of biomass being used in Denmark that has not been sustainable.
– Of course, this must be changed so that in the future we ensure that the biomass used is not one that harms nature and damages the fight against climate change, says Climate Minister Dan Jรธrgensen (S).
The agreement has been entered into by the government and the Liberal Party, the Danish People’s Party, the Socialist People’s Party, the Unity List, the Conservatives, the Radical Left, the Liberal Alliance and the Alternative.
The legal requirements mean, among other things, that the biomass must come from legally felled trees, and that felled trees must be replanted.
In future, biomass from countries whose forests are in decline must not be used, unless it comes from sustainably managed forests or residues.
It is also required that emissions in the production chain be kept at a low level. And then the requirements for documentation of biomass sustainability must be strengthened.
Violation of the rules will result in sanctions, the agreement states.
The agreement is estimated to provide slightly increased heating prices for businesses and households, respectively, corresponding to around DKK 28 million and DKK 52 million in 2030.
The parties behind the agreement agree that the new legal requirements must be evaluated in 2023.
As a general rule, biomass helps to reduce emissions if it comes from residual production of forestry.
However, if whole trunks from trees that are not replanted are used, the positive climate effect disappears.
Therefore, new legal requirements must in future provide greater assurance that the biomass used in Denmark is as sustainable and climate-friendly as possible.
– Unfortunately, for far too many years there have been examples of biomass being used in Denmark that has not been sustainable.
– Of course, this must be changed so that in the future we ensure that the biomass used is not one that harms nature and damages the fight against climate change, says Climate Minister Dan Jรธrgensen (S).
The agreement has been entered into by the government and the Liberal Party, the Danish People’s Party, the Socialist People’s Party, the Unity List, the Conservatives, the Radical Left, the Liberal Alliance and the Alternative.
The legal requirements mean, among other things, that the biomass must come from legally felled trees, and that felled trees must be replanted.
In future, biomass from countries whose forests are in decline must not be used, unless it comes from sustainably managed forests or residues.
It is also required that emissions in the production chain be kept at a low level. And then the requirements for documentation of biomass sustainability must be strengthened.
Violation of the rules will result in sanctions, the agreement states.
The agreement is estimated to provide slightly increased heating prices for businesses and households, respectively, corresponding to around DKK 28 million and DKK 52 million in 2030.
The parties behind the agreement agree that the new legal requirements must be evaluated in 2023.
Source: The Nordic Page