Bioenergy Europe

Bioenergy Europe is a European trade association representing national biomass organisations and bioenergy companies engaged in the production, promotion, and utilisation of biomass-based energy. Established in 1990 under the leadership of French senator Michel Souplet, the organisation was created to advance energy generation from biomass across its diverse applications, including biopower, bioheat, and biofuels for transport. Over the years, Bioenergy Europe has evolved into a central platform for stakeholders within the European bioenergy sector, promoting standards, coordinating policy discussions, and providing technical knowledge to support the growth of renewable energy systems.
As an umbrella organisation, Bioenergy Europe oversees the European Pellet Council (EPC) and the International Biomass Torrefaction Council (IBTC). In addition to its advocacy and coordination roles, it manages two internationally recognised certification schemes: ENplus, which certifies wood pellet quality, and GoodChips, a programme ensuring the quality of wood chips and hog fuel. These certifications support the bioenergy market by improving transparency, guaranteeing fuel reliability, and promoting consumer confidence.

Governance Structure

The governance of Bioenergy Europe reflects its broad membership base and its function as a representative federation. The association is structured around:

• The General Assembly, which serves as the principal decision-making body composed of all member organisations.
• The Board of Directors, which oversees strategic orientations and high-level policy positions.
• Core Groups, which help define political directions and organisational priorities.
• Working Groups, which bring together technical experts and industry representatives to provide specialised advice.
• The Secretariat, responsible for daily operations, coordination, and administrative functions.

This organisational framework ensures that member interests are represented while facilitating coordinated action across national and industry boundaries.

Membership Composition

Bioenergy Europe encompasses a diverse membership including national biomass associations, academic institutions, and private companies involved in various aspects of bioenergy production, research, and distribution. Membership is pan-European, reflecting the transnational nature of energy markets and sustainability challenges.

National Associations

The organisation includes 39 national and regional associations representing multiple countries across Europe. These include, among others:

• Austrian Biomass Association and Austrian Pellets Association
• Biomass Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Belgian Renewable Energy and Wood Pellet trade federations
• Croatian Chamber of Economy and Croatian Biomass Pellets Association
• Czech Pellets Cluster
• Danish Biomass and Pellets Associations
• Estonian Renewable Energy Association
• French Renewable Energy Industries Association and French Pellet Association
• German BioEnergy Association
• Greek Biomass Association
• Italian Agroforestry Energy Association
• Irish Bioenergy Association
• Latvian and Lithuanian Bioenergy Associations
• Norwegian and Polish Bioenergy associations, including the Polish Pellet Council
• Portuguese Pellet Association and Portuguese Renewable Energy Association
• Romanian Association of Biomass and Biogas
• Russian Bioenergy Association
• Spanish Bioenergy and Renewable Energies associations
• Swedish Bioenergy and WoodFuel associations
• Swiss Pellets Association
• UK Pellet Council
• Ukrainian Bioenergy Association
• Valorisation of Biomass in Belgium

These associations form the backbone of national representation, linking domestic industries with European-level policy and market developments.

Academic Institutions

Seven academic and research bodies contribute scientific expertise and innovation capacities. These include:

• Centre for Research and Technology Hellas
• Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands
• HEIG-VD University
• National Renewable Energy Centre
• Walloon Agricultural Research Centre

Such institutions support research, data collection, and technological advancements relevant to biomass energy systems.

Corporate Members

Bioenergy Europe hosts a large corporate membership base comprising approximately 81 companies active in biomass production, processing technologies, equipment manufacturing, and energy generation. These companies include international firms, regional operators, consulting agencies, and technology developers.
Representative examples include:

• AIREX Énergie Inc.
• ALBIOMA
• Amandus Kahl GmbH & Co. KG
• American Biocarbon LLC
• Arigna Fuels Ltd
• BioEndev
• Biowanze
• Bord na Móna
• Cadel Srl
• Clean Electricity Generation BV
• CNIM
• Drax Power
• EDF Luminus
• Electricity Supply Board
• ENGIE Lab Laborelec
• EP Power Europe AS
• Européenne de Biomasse
• Fortum Oyj
• Glen Dimplex Benelux
• Hawkins Wright Ltd
• HOFOR Energy Production
• Inspectorate International Ltd
• Komptech GmbH
• KWB GmbH
• LC Energy Limited
• MetGen Oy
• National Carbon Technologies
• NextFuel AB
• Palazzetti Lelio SpA
• Peterson Rotterdam BV
• Polytechnik GmbH
• Pyry Management Consulting Ltd
• SalixEnergi Europa AB
• Scandbio AB
• SEKAB E-Technology AB
• Södra and Söderenergi AB
• Statkraft Wood Products
• Sveaskog
• TorrCoal International BV
• Total Marketing Services
• Turboden
• US Industrial Pellet Association (USIPA)
• Victam International BV

These members represent various segments of the bioenergy value chain, from raw material production and logistics to power generation and consultancy services.

Role and Significance in the European Bioenergy Sector

Bioenergy Europe plays an essential role in promoting biomass as a renewable, sustainable, and locally available energy source. The organisation contributes to European energy and climate policy by providing evidence-based insights, coordinating industry positions, and supporting legislation that facilitates the transition to low-carbon energy systems.
Key contributions include:

• Standardisation and certification: Through ENplus and GoodChips, the organisation supports market stability and quality assurance for solid biofuels.
• Policy advocacy: Bioenergy Europe fosters dialogue with EU institutions to influence policy frameworks such as the Renewable Energy Directive, sustainability criteria for bioenergy, and national decarbonisation strategies.
• Technical expertise: The association’s Working Groups analyse topics such as biomass sustainability, supply chains, market trends, and technological innovation.
• Market development: By bringing together producers, distributors, and consumers, Bioenergy Europe strengthens market integration and enhances the economic viability of renewable energy pathways.

Importance of International Collaboration

The activities of Bioenergy Europe extend beyond the EU through its cooperation with global partners and through the international scope of its member organisations. By supporting the European Pellet Council and the International Biomass Torrefaction Council, the association reinforces global standards for biomass fuels and promotes innovation in advanced bioenergy technologies.
In a broader context, Bioenergy Europe contributes to the transition towards sustainable energy systems by fostering responsible biomass utilisation, enhancing security of supply, and supporting rural economic development. Its work reflects the growing importance of renewable energy in achieving climate targets and strengthening Europe’s energy independence.