Biomass production, supply, uses and flows in the European Union: First results from an integrated assessment

Luxemburg

2018

126 S.

Monographie

978-92-79-77236-8978-92-79-77236-8

40000901

This report illustrates part of the results from the first two years of JRC biomass study, carried out in the context of the mandate on the provision to EC services of data and analysis on biomass flow, supply and demand on a long-term basis. The JRC biomass study has a wide scope and is a long-term endeavour, not having a pre-defined duration. Here we refer to the results after the first two years, with a focus on the assessments of the biomass produced in the EU, how much is being used and for what uses, and how to assess the related environmental impacts. We report quantitative estimates on current EU biomass production, uses and flows for the sectors agriculture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture, and algae. The document contains the best estimates we had been able to attain from available data and our current knowledge, yet highlighting the remaining gaps and underlying uncertainties. In addition, results for all sectors examined are presented with an integrated perspective and using cross-sectorial biomass flows diagrams. The methodological framework to assess the environmental impacts of biomass supply chains is also introduced. The total agricultural biomass produced annually in the EU was estimated at 956 Mt of dry matter per year (excluding pastures) of which 54% economic production, that is grains, fruits, roots, tubers, i.e. the reason why the crop is cultivated. The remaining 46% is above ground biomass from by-products and residues such as leaves and stems, which may also have an economic value (for instance when used for animal bedding or for bioenergy production), and are also important for ecosystem services such as maintaining organic carbon levels in soil or preventing soil erosion.