More than 230 leading bioenergy experts from forestry, agriculture, heating, transportation, power industry and technology providers from Croatia, South-Eastern Europe and 9 other EU member countries gathered in Zagreb to discuss the future of bioenergy. The topics focus on the implementation of the RED II Directive to determine the market position of biomass and woodfuel, as well as new technologies, quotas for cogeneration plants, trends in grain and biomass exports, and greater use of EU funds.
On this occasion, the Croatian Bioenergy Association (CROBIOM) signed and published the 'Bioenergy Protocol' as a guiding principle for the development of bioenergy in Croatia in 2030.
1. Renewable Energy Target and Phase-out Fossil Fuel Strategy by 2030
The Paris Climate Conference (COP 21) in December 2015 set a new framework for climate and energy policy. In order to comply with the objectives of Paris, Europe should phase out the use of fossil fuels by 2040.
In future non-fossil energy systems, bio-energy will play an important role in generating electricity, heating, and transporting fuels. Biomass storage for solar energy is by far the least expensive energy storage solution. Therefore, future use of biomass should focus on winter Heating, power generation and transportation fuels.
Croatia can contribute to the independence of energy in Europe and the goal of global response to climate change. However, it is necessary to change the energy policy into a sustainable development policy, encourage the development of new fuels and successfully replace imported fossil fuels.
In addition, through better regulation, it is necessary to ensure that citizens of various energy cooperation and other collective plans can truly contribute to the quality of energy transformation and ensure investment in the application of new technologies and solutions.
2. Mobilize biomass energy
The increase in demand for bioenergy requires active policies to develop Croatia’s biomass energy potential. Such policies should include planting energy crops on land that is discarded or that does not require food production, encouraging better use of agricultural waste and by-products. And to strengthen the use of sustainably managed forests.
3. Increase the consumption of granules
Granules are the most economical fuels produced from biomass and have a high energy value. Croatia's annual production exceeds 280,000 tons, accounting for 1.2% of global production.
Despite the considerable number, the grain market faces many challenges. It is very important to inspire the public and decision makers to use the comparative advantages of using certified and standardized grains, especially in public institutions such as schools and kindergartens. To succeed, it is very important to strengthen cooperation within and outside the industry.
4. Transformation of heating industry
Central heating should be gradually converted to non-fossil resources such as industrial waste heat, biomass combustion and solar thermal installations.
5. Carbon pricing
Croatia needs to be at the forefront of applying innovative solutions. Consideration should be given to emulating Sweden, Switzerland, Finland, Norway and other countries for the introduction of carbon dioxide taxes. This tax is the country’s neutral income. This will lead to an increase in the price of fossil fuels and therefore to make it Gradually disappeared from large power plants. Compared with the price of oil, the price of particles will drop, and may increase the use of domestic renewable energy.
